NTELOS 10-K 26 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 23, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Registrant Name	NTELOS HOLDINGS CORP.
Entity Central Index Key	1328571
Trading Symbol	ntls
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,788,154
Entity Public Float			$212.20
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash	$73,546	$88,441
Restricted cash	2,167	2,167
Accounts receivable, net	43,668	37,741
Inventories and supplies	18,297	23,962
Deferred income taxes	24,770	10,650
Other current assets	13,543	15,891
Other Assets, Current	4,626	4,916
Total current assets	180,617	183,768
Securities and Investments	1,522	1,499
Property, Plant and Equipment, net	289,947	319,376
Intangible Assets
Goodwill	63,700	63,700
Radio spectrum licenses	44,933	131,834
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	5,084	6,985
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	18,474	9,089
Long-lived Assets, Held for Sale	64,271	0
TOTAL ASSETS	668,548	716,251
Current Liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt	5,816	5,410
Accounts payable	24,541	24,748
Dividends payable	0	9,034
Advance billings and customer deposits	14,553	14,055
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	27,153	26,344
Total current liabilities	72,063	79,591
Long-Term Debt	519,592	484,956
Retirement Benefits	25,209	11,995
Deferred Income Taxes	39,620	62,893
Other Long-Term Liabilities	45,016	33,023
Liabilities, Noncurrent, Total	629,437	592,867
Commitments and Contingencies
Equity
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 100 shares, none issued	0	0
Common stock, par value $.01 per share, authorized 55,000 shares; 21,634 shares issued and 21,616 shares outstanding (21,519 shares issued and 21,510 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013)	214	214
Additional paid in capital	28,663	44,462
Treasury stock, at cost, 18 shares (9 share at December 31, 2013)	-285	-147
Accumulated deficit	-53,634	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-9,090	-1,246
Total NTELOS Holdings Corp. Stockholders’ Equity/(Deficit)	-34,132	43,283
Noncontrolling Interests	1,180	510
Stockholders' Equity, including portion attributable to noncontrolling interest, Total	-32,952	43,793
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)	$668,548	$716,251

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	55,000,000	55,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	21,634,000	21,519,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,616,000	21,510,000
Treasury stock, shares	18,000	9,000

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Operating Revenues	$487,834	$491,882	$453,989
Operating Expenses
Cost of sales and services	223,140	199,004	184,878
Customer operations	105,774	106,235	98,956
Corporate operations	42,195	42,305	43,755
Restructuring Charges	3,663	0	0
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	87,853	0	0
Depreciation and amortization	76,459	72,944	63,258
Gain on sale of intangible assets	0	-4,442	0
Operating expenses, total	539,084	416,046	390,847
Operating Income (Loss)	-51,250	75,836	63,142
Other Expense
Interest expense	-32,696	-29,743	-22,944
Other expense	-1,114	-810	-7,194
Other Expense, Total	-33,810	-30,553	-30,138
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes	-85,060	45,283	33,004
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	-32,894	18,544	12,676
Net Income (Loss)	-52,166	26,739	20,328
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-1,468	-2,061	-1,941
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	($53,634)	$24,678	$18,387
Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
Continuing operations (basic in dollars per share)	($2.54)	$1.17	$0.88
Continuing operations (diluted in dollars per share)	($2.54)	$1.13	$0.86
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic (in shares)	21,111	21,026	20,889
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,111	21,826	21,337
Cash Dividends Declared per Share - Common Stock (in dollars per share)	$0.84	$1.68	$1.68

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	($53,634)	$24,678	$18,387
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans, net of $45, $167 and $335 of deferred income taxes in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively	-71	-263	-526
Unrecognized gain/(loss) from defined benefit plans, net of $5,039, $3,299, and $1,756 of deferred income taxes in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively	-7,915	5,180	2,758
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	-61,478	30,121	21,671
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	1,468	2,061	1,941
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	($60,010)	$32,182	$23,612

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans, tax	$45	$167	$335
Unrecognized gain (loss) from defined benefit plans, tax	$5,309	$3,299	$1,756

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	($52,166)	$26,739	$20,328
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization	76,459	72,944	63,258
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	87,853	0	0
Gain on sale of intangible assets	0	-4,442	0
Deferred income taxes	-33,359	16,968	16,147
Equity-based compensation	2,969	5,553	6,029
Amortization of loan origination costs and debt discount	2,477	2,814	3,284
Write off unamortized debt issuance costs	895	0	6,816
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	229	656	0
Retirement benefits and other	848	1,690	3,642
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable	-5,927	13,561	-15,009
Inventories and supplies	5,665	-14,381	-2,011
Other current assets	-7,097	-1,577	-3,464
Income taxes	-1,706	0	-1,668
Accounts payable	-444	10,232	3,660
Other current liabilities	10,793	-4,147	12,189
Retirement benefit contributions and distributions	1,999	-206	-4,184
Net cash provided by operating activities	89,488	126,404	109,017
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of property, plant and equipment	-107,000	-80,708	-71,760
Restricted cash pledged for letter of credit	0	-2,167	0
Proceeds from sale of intangible assets	0	4,644	0
Other, net	586	-2,613	127
Net cash used in investing activities	-106,414	-80,844	-71,633
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt, net of original issue discount	187,655	0	495,000
Debt issuance and refinancing costs	-3,551	0	-7,464
Repayments on senior secured term loans	-153,477	-5,000	-462,087
Cash dividends paid on common stock	-27,235	-27,054	-44,526
Capital distributions to noncontrolling interests	-798	-1,561	-1,481
Other, net	-563	299	-579
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	2,031	-33,316	-21,137
Increase (decrease) in cash	-14,895	12,244	16,247
Cash, beginning of period	88,441	76,197	59,950
Cash, end of period	$73,546	$88,441	$76,197

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid In Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Total NTELOS Holdings Corp. Stockholders’ Equity [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$51,134	$212	$65,591	($8,228)	$3,982	($9,973)	$51,584	($450)
Beginning Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2011		21,195		108
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-based compensation	5,484		-2,741	8,225			5,484
Equity-based compensation (in shares)		67		-107
Cash dividends declared	-35,624		-13,255		-22,369		-35,624
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,481							-1,481
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	18,387				18,387		18,387
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans	526					526	526
Unrecognized loss from defined benefit plans	2,758					2,758	2,758
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,941							1,941
Stockholders' Equity Note, Spinoff Transaction	1,410		1,410				1,410
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	44,535	212	51,005	-3	0	-6,689	44,525	10
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2012		21,262		1
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-based compensation	4,912	2	5,054	-144			4,912
Equity-based compensation (in shares)		257		8
Cash dividends declared	-36,275		-11,597		-24,678		-36,275
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interests	-1,561							-1,561
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	24,678				24,678		24,678
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans	263					263	263
Unrecognized loss from defined benefit plans	5,180					5,180	5,180
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,061							2,061
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	43,793	214	44,462	-147	0	-1,246	43,283	510
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2013		21,519		9
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Equity-based compensation	2,279		2,417	-138			2,279
Equity-based compensation (in shares)		97		9
Cash dividends declared	-18,216		-18,216		0		-18,216
Capital distribution to noncontrolling interests	-798							-798
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	-53,634				-53,634		-53,634
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans	71						71
Unrecognized loss from defined benefit plans	-7,915						-7,915
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,468							1,468
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	($32,952)	$214	$28,663	($285)	($53,634)	($9,090)	($34,132)	$1,180
Ending Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014		21,616		18

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Amortization of unrealized loss from defined benefit plans, tax	$45	$167	$335
Recognized loss from defined benefit plans, tax	$5,309	$3,299	$1,756

Description_of_Business

Description of Business	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business
	NTELOS Holdings Corp. (hereafter referred to as “Holdings Corp.” or the “Company”), through NTELOS Inc., its wholly-owned subsidiary (“NTELOS Inc.”) and its subsidiaries, is a regional provider of digital wireless communications services to consumers and businesses primarily in Virginia, West Virginia and certain portions of surrounding states. The Company’s primary services are wireless voice and data digital personal communications services (“PCS”) provided through NTELOS-branded retail operations and on a wholesale basis to other PCS providers, most notably through an arrangement with Sprint Spectrum L.P. (“Sprint Spectrum”), and Sprint Spectrum on behalf of and as an agent for SprintCom, Inc. (“SprintCom”) (Sprint Spectrum and SprintCom collectively, “Sprint”), which arrangement is referred to herein as the “Strategic Network Alliance” or "SNA." See Note 15 for additional information regarding this arrangement. The Company does not have any independent operations.
	Holdings Corp. was formed in January 2005 for the purpose of acquiring NTELOS Inc. On January 18, 2005, Holdings Corp. entered into an agreement with NTELOS Inc. and certain of its stockholders to acquire the common stock of NTELOS Inc. On February 24, 2005, Holdings Corp. purchased 24.9% of NTELOS Inc. common stock and stock warrants. By May 2005, the Company had acquired all of NTELOS Inc.’s common shares, warrants and vested options. During the first quarter of 2006, Holdings Corp. completed an initial public offering of its common stock. Quadrangle Capital Partners LLP and certain of its affiliates (“Quadrangle”), a founding member of Holdings Corp., owns approximately 20% of the Company’s common shares as of December 31, 2014.
	On December 1, 2014, we entered into an agreement to sell our wireless spectrum licenses in our eastern Virginia and Outer Banks of North Carolina markets (“Eastern Markets”) valued at approximately $56.0 million. The agreement is subject to customary closing conditions, including final regulatory approval by the FCC. We plan to operate and generate cash from our Eastern Markets until the later of November 15, 2015 or 90 days after the transfer of the spectrum. In conjunction with the agreement to sell, the Company has taken an impairment charge for wireless spectrum and fixed assets, and has incurred restructuring charges.

Significant_Accounting_Policie

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information	Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”).
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and those limited liability corporations where the Company or certain of its subsidiaries, as managing member, exercises control. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Effective September 30, 2014, the Company changed the classification of certain costs related to equipment incentives to retain existing customers from customer operations to cost of sales and services to better align our presentation with other wireless carriers. The reclassification resulted in an increase of $32.7 million and $28.4 million in cost of sales and services and a corresponding decrease in customer operations expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Additionally, certain information technology costs attributable to supporting billing and internal network and communication services were changed from cost of sales and services to customer operations and corporate operations also to align our presentation with other wireless carriers. The reclassification resulted in a decrease of $12.8 million and $11.4 million in cost of sales and services for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and an increase in customer operations expenses of $2.3 million and $2.1 million and an increase in corporate operations expenses of $10.5 million and $9.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Previously reported net income has not been affected by these reclassifications.
	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when services are rendered or when products are delivered and functional, as applicable. Certain services of the Company require payment in advance of service performance. In such cases, the Company records a service liability at the time of billing and subsequently recognizes revenue ratably over the service period. The Company bills customers certain transactional taxes on service revenues. These transactional taxes are not included in reported revenues as they are recognized as liabilities at the time customers are billed.
	The Company earns retail and wholesale revenues by providing access to and usage of its networks. Retail and certain wholesale revenues are recognized as services are provided. In long term contracts certain fixed elements are required to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Revenues for equipment sales are recognized at the point of sale. Wireless handsets and other devices sold with service contracts are generally sold at prices below cost, based on the terms of the service contracts. The Company recognizes the entire cost of the handsets at the time of sale.
	On August 15, 2014, the Company launched its Equipment Installment Plan ("EIP"), which offers customers the option to pay for their devices over 24 months with no service contract. Additionally, after a specified period of time, customers have the right to trade in the original device for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. For customers that elect the EIP option, the Company recognizes revenue at the point of sale for the full retail price of the device, net of the estimated fair value of imputed interest and the estimated loss on trade-in. See Note 5 for additional information regarding EIP.
	The Company evaluates related transactions to determine whether they should be viewed as multiple deliverable arrangements, which impact revenue recognition. Multiple deliverable arrangements are presumed to be bundled transactions and the total consideration is measured and allocated to the separate units based on their relative selling price with certain limitations. The Company has determined that sales of handsets with service contracts related to these sales generated from Company-operated retail stores are multiple deliverable arrangements. Accordingly, substantially all of the nonrefundable activation fee revenues (as well as the associated direct costs) are allocated to the wireless handset and are recognized at the time of the sale, based on the fact that the handsets are generally sold well below cost and thus appropriately allocated to the point of sale based on the relative selling price evaluation. However, revenue and certain associated direct costs for activations sold at third-party retail locations are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the customer relationship as the Company is not a principal in the transaction to sell the handset and therefore any activation fees charged are fully attributable to the service revenues.
	The Company recognizes revenue in the period that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred or services have been rendered, it is able to determine the amount and when the collection of such amount is considered probable.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company sells its PCS services to individuals and commercial end-users and to other communication carriers. The Company has credit and collection policies to maximize collection of trade receivables and requires deposits on certain sales. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical results, current and expected trends and changes in credit policies. Management believes the allowance adequately covers all anticipated losses with respect to trade receivables. Actual credit losses could differ from such estimates. The Company includes bad debt expense in customer operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are summarized in the table below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	6,541		$	4,811		$	15,666
	Charged to operating expenses (1)	15,172			15,511			9,453
	Deductions (2)	(13,040		)	(13,781		)	(20,308		)
	Balance at end of year	$	8,673		$	6,541		$	4,811
	(1)	Reflects provision for doubtful accounts, recorded in customer operations expense.
	(2)	Reflects uncollectible accounts written off against the allowance, net of recoveries and credits issued to customers.
	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Accrued interest	$	85		$	4,584
	Accrued payroll	6,545			5,842
	Accrued taxes	5,383			4,949
	Other	15,140			10,969
	Total	$	27,153		$	26,344
	Inventories and Supplies
	The Company’s inventories and supplies consist primarily of items held for resale such as devices and accessories. The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is computed on a currently adjusted standard cost basis (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis). Market value is determined by reviewing current replacement cost, marketability and obsolescence.
	Long-Lived Asset Recovery
	Long-lived assets comprise property, plant and equipment, intangible assets (including goodwill, radio spectrum licenses, customer relationships and trademarks) and long-term deferred charges. Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, are recorded at cost and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount should be evaluated pursuant to the subsequent measurement guidance described in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. Impairment is determined by comparing the carrying value of these long-lived assets to management’s best estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows, the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value is recorded as an impairment charge.
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which the Company reviews and updates based on historical experiences and future expectations. Buildings are depreciated over a 50-year life and leasehold improvements, which are categorized in land and buildings, are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining lease terms. Network plant and equipment, which includes cell towers and site costs, and switch, cell site and other network equipment, are depreciated over various lives ranging from 5 to 17 years, with a weighted average life of approximately 10 years. Furniture, fixtures and other equipment are depreciated over various lives ranging from 2 to 18 years.
	The Company formally evaluates the appropriateness of estimated useful lives on at least an annual basis. Consideration is given to the trends in technological evolution and the telecommunications industry, the Company’s maintenance practices and the functional condition of long-lived assets in relation to the remaining estimated useful life of the asset. When necessary, adjustments are made to the applicable useful life of an asset class or depreciation is accelerated for assets that have been identified for retirement prior to the expiration of the original useful life.
	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
	Goodwill and radio spectrum licenses are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization but are instead tested for impairment annually, on October 1, or more frequently if an event indicates that the asset might be impaired.
	Before employing detailed impairment testing, the Company first evaluates the likelihood of impairment by considering relevant qualitative factors that may have a significant bearing on fair value. If we determine that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, we apply detailed testing methodologies. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment exists. For detailed testing, the Company uses a two-step process to test for goodwill impairment. Step one requires a determination of the fair value of each of the reporting units and, to the extent that this fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value (including goodwill), the step two calculation of implied fair value of goodwill is not required and no impairment loss is recognized. In testing for goodwill impairment, the Company utilizes an analysis which allocates enterprise value to the reporting units.
	The radio spectrum licenses relate primarily to PCS licenses in the markets that we serve. The Company considers a number of valuation methods, including market based and the Greenfield cash flow method, in its impairment testing for these assets.
	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and income tax expense, respectively.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, Reporting of Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The updated guidance defines discontinued operations as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations were expanded and new disclosures for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations are required. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The standard will be effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015 and will be applied to relevant future transactions.
	In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU provides a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance and is intended to improve the financial reporting requirements. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption being prohibited. The impact of application of this ASU on the Company's financial statements has not been determined.

Supplemental_Financial_Informa

Supplemental Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Supplemental Financial Information	Supplemental Financial Information
	Cash
	The Company’s cash was held in market rate savings accounts and non-interest bearing deposit accounts. The total held in the market rate savings accounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $28.5 million and $36.5 million, respectively. The remaining $45.0 million and $51.9 million of cash at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was held in non-interest bearing deposit accounts.
	Restricted Cash
	The Company is eligible to receive up to $5.0 million in connection with its winning bid in the Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction ("Auction 901"). Pursuant to the terms of Auction 901, the Company was required to obtain a Letter of Credit (“LOC”) for the benefit of the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) to cover each disbursement plus the amount of the performance default penalty (10% of the total eligible award). USAC may draw upon the LOC in the event the Company fails to demonstrate the required wireless service coverage by the applicable deadline in 2016. The Company obtained the first LOC in the amount of $2.2 million, representing the first disbursement of $1.7 million received in September 2013, plus the performance default penalty of $0.5 million. In accordance with the terms of the LOC, the Company deposited $2.2 million into a separate account at the issuing bank to serve as cash collateral. Such funds will be released when the LOC is terminated without being drawn upon by USAC.
	Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations
	An asset retirement obligation is evaluated and recorded as appropriate on assets for which the Company has a legal obligation to retire. The Company records a liability for an asset retirement obligation and the associated asset retirement cost at the time the underlying asset is acquired. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation, if any.
	The Company enters into long-term leasing arrangements primarily for tower sites and retail store locations. The Company constructs assets at these locations and, in accordance with the terms of many of these agreements, the Company is obligated to restore the premises to their original condition at the conclusion of the agreements, generally at the demand of the other party to these agreements. The Company recognizes the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation and capitalizes that cost as part of the cost basis of the related asset, depreciating it over the useful life of the related asset.
	The following table indicates the changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Asset retirement obligations, beginning	$	22,628	$	16,767
	Net increases due to changes in, and timing of estimated future cash flows	3,644		5,181
	Accretion of asset retirement obligations	1,288		680
	Asset retirement obligations, ending	$	27,560	$	22,628
	The Company revised cost estimates used to determine the fair value of its asset retirement obligations resulting in an increase in the liability and related assets of $3.5 million and $5.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Sale of Intangible Assets
	During the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, the Company completed the sale of certain intangible assets for approximately $4.6 million. This amount, less fees and expenses of sale, is recorded as a gain of $4.4 million during for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013.
	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs and marketing production costs as incurred (included within customer operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations). Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $19.4 million, $19.2 million and $17.7 million, respectively.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	The following information is presented as supplementary disclosures for the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Cash payments for:
	Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	34,891	$	22,693	$	19,870
	Income taxes	3,601		4,087		1,761
	Cash received from income tax refunds	1,434		3,704		56
	Supplemental investing and financing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	8,509		8,272		6,127
	Borrowings under capital leases	562		380		638
	Dividends declared not paid	—		9,221		—
	The amount of interest capitalized was $0.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Property_Plan_And_Equipment

Property, Plan And Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	The components of property, plant and equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation, were as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Land and buildings	$	30,772	$	34,223
	Network plant and equipment	445,940		471,032
	Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	91,512		103,181
		568,224		608,436
	Under construction	18,213		6,430
		586,437		614,866
	Less: accumulated depreciation	296,490		295,490
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	289,947	$	319,376
	During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company revised the estimated useful lives of certain assets in order to better match our depreciation expense with the periods these assets are expected to generate revenue based on planned and historical service periods. The new estimated useful lives were established based on historical service periods and external benchmark data of these assets. The increase in depreciation expense resulting from this change for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2014 was approximately $0.3 million and $1.3 million, respectively.
	During the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014, as a result of the agreement to sell the wireless spectrum and wind down of its operations in the Eastern Markets, the Company concluded that a triggering event had occurred and assessed the recoverability of its long-lived assets. The Company first assessed the ability to redeploy Eastern Markets property, plant and equipment. For the property, plant and equipment that was deemed not to be redeployable, the Company used market quotes and recorded an impairment charge of $57.0 million during the fourth quarter of 2014. In addition, the Company wrote off abandoned construction in progress and certain other assets of $1.9 million which is included in Impairment and other charges in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
	During the fourth quarter, in conjunction with the plan to sell, and subsequently lease back, most of the Company owned towers in 2015, the Company concluded that a triggering event had occurred and assessed the recoverability of these towers. Since the market value exceeded the carrying value, no impairment charge was incurred. The carrying value of these towers, approximately $6.4 million, was reclassified to Assets Held for Sale in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. For additional information, see Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Intangible Assets not Subject to Amortization
	Goodwill and radio spectrum licenses are not considered amortizable intangible assets. The Company allocates all its goodwill to the markets in western Virginia and West Virginia. The Company tested its goodwill as of October 1, 2014 and on December 31, 2014 and concluded no impairment exists as of those dates.
	In conjunction with the agreement to sell the Company's wireless spectrum licenses in the Eastern Markets (see Note 6), the Company calculated the fair value to be $57.9 million, the sales price plus the implied value of the non-cash spectrum leaseback. Accordingly, an impairment charge of $29.0 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of 2014. In addition, the Company transferred these intangible assets to assets held for sale in the Company’s Balance Sheet.
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, goodwill and radio spectrum licenses were comprised of the following:
			December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Goodwill				Radio Spectrum Licenses				Goodwill			Radio Spectrum Licenses
	Balance at beginning of the period		$	63,700			$	131,834			$	63,700		$	132,033
	Impairment loss in the period		—				(28,990		)		—			—
	Transferred to assets held for sale		—				(57,911		)		—			—
	Disposals		—				—				—			(199		)
	Total		$	63,700			$	44,933			$	63,700		$	131,834
	Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
	Customer relationships and trademarks are considered amortizable intangible assets. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, customer relationships and trademarks were comprised of the following:
				31-Dec-14											31-Dec-13
	(In thousands)	Estimated		Gross Amount				Accumulated				Net			Gross Amount		Accumulated			Net
		Useful Life						Amortization									Amortization
	Customer relationship	17.5 years		$	36,900			$	(34,305	)		$	2,595		$	36,900	$	(32,871	)	$	4,029
	Trademarks	15 years		7,000				(4,511		)		2,489			7,000		(4,044		)	2,956
	Total			$	43,900			$	(38,816	)		$	5,084		$	43,900	$	(36,915	)	$	6,985
	The Company amortizes its amortizable intangible assets using the straight-line method unless it determines that another systematic method is more appropriate.
	The estimated life of amortizable intangible assets is determined from the unique factors specific to each asset and the Company reviews and updates estimated lives based on later events and future expectations. Amortization expense was $1.9 million, $3.0 million, $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
	Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be as follows:
	(In thousands)	Customer				Trademarks				Total
		Relationships
	2015	$	324			$	467			$	791
	2016	324				467				791
	2017	324				467				791
	2018	324				467				791
	2019	324				467				791
	Thereafter	975				154				1,129
		$	2,595			$	2,489			$	5,084

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s outstanding long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount	$	524,504		$	489,441
	Capital lease obligations	904			925
		525,408			490,366
	Less: current portion of long-term debt	5,816			5,410
	Long-term debt	$	519,592		$	484,956
	Long-Term Debt, Excluding Capital Lease Obligations
	On November 9, 2012, NTELOS Inc. entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended and Restated Credit Agreement”), which amended and restated, in its entirety, that certain Credit Agreement dated August 7, 2009 (the “Original Credit Agreement”). The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provided for (1) a term loan A in the aggregate amount of $150.0 million (the “Term Loan A”); and (2) a term loan B in the aggregate amount of $350.0 million (the “Term Loan B” and, together with the Term Loan A, the “Term Loans”).
	On January 31, 2014, the Company completed the refinancing of Term Loan A, which converted the outstanding principal balance of $148.1 million of Term Loan A into Term Loan B, and borrowed an additional $40.0 million under Term Loan B. The additional Term Loan B borrowings bear the same interest rate, maturity and other terms as the Company’s existing Term Loan B borrowings.
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides for a new Term Loan B in the aggregate amount of $533.8 million.The Term Loan B matures in November 2019, with quarterly payments of approximately $1.4 million beginning March 31, 2014 and continuing through September 30, 2019, and the remainder due on November 9, 2019.
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement also permits incremental commitments of up to $125.0 million (the “Incremental Commitments”) of which up to $35.0 million can be in the form of a revolving credit facility. The ability to incur the Incremental Commitments is subject to various restrictions and conditions, including having a Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) not in excess of 4.50:1.00 at the time of incurrence (calculated on a pro forma basis). As of December 31, 2014, there were no commitments associated with the Incremental Commitments.
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provided that the Term Loan A be issued at a 1.0% discount ($1.5 million) and bear interest at a rate equal to either 3.5% above the Eurodollar Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) or 2.5% above the Base Rate (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), and the Term Loan B be issued at a 1.0% discount ($3.5 million) and bear interest at a rate equal to either 4.75% above the Eurodollar Rate or 3.75% above the Base Rate. The refinancing provided that the refinanced amount plus the additional borrowing of $40 million be issued at a 0.25% discount ($0.5 million) and bear interest at a rate equal to either 4.75% above the Eurodollar Rate or 3.75% above the Base Rate. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement provides that the Eurodollar Rate shall never be less than 1.0% per annum and the Base Rate shall never be less than 2.0% per annum.
	All loans outstanding under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority pledge of substantially all property and assets of Ntelos Inc. and all material subsidiaries, as guarantors. The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants which, among other things, restrict the ability of NTELOS Inc. and its guarantors to incur additional debt, grant liens, make investments, sell assets and make Restricted Payments (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, which include paying dividends).
	The Amended and Restated Credit Agreement has a Restricted Payments basket, initially set at $50.0 million, which can be used to make Restricted Payments, including the ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock or advance funds to the Company. This Restricted Payment basket increases by $6.5 million per quarter and decreases by actual Restricted Payments made after the date of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and by certain investments and debt prepayments made after the date of the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement.
	In addition, the Restricted Payment basket increases by the positive amount, if any, of 50% (or, if the Leverage Ratio as of the most recently ended twelve month period, was less than 2.75:1.0, 75%) of the Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement), for the most recently ended fiscal quarter in excess of $10.0 million. NTELOS Inc. may not make Restricted Payments if its Leverage Ratio (calculated on a pro forma basis) is greater than to 4.25:1.00. In addition, this Restricted Payments basket increases by the amount of any mandatory prepayments on the Term Loans to the extent the lenders decline to receive such prepayment. There was no Excess Cash Flow for the quarter ended December 31, 2014. The balance of the Restricted Payments basket as of December 31, 2014 was $60.1 million.
	Under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, mandatory debt prepayments of 50% of Excess Cash Flow for the most recently ended fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013) must be made by the 90th day of the following year, if the Leverage Ratio is above 4.50:1.00. Mandatory debt prepayments of 25% of Excess Cash Flow for a fiscal year must be made by the 90th day of the following year, if the Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than 4.50:1.00 but above 3.75:1.00. If NTELOS Inc.’s Leverage Ratio is equal to or less than 3.75:1.00 for a fiscal year, NTELOS Inc. is not required to make an Excess Cash Flow mandatory debt prepayment for that fiscal year. At December 31, 2014, NTELOS Inc.’s Leverage Ratio (as defined under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) was 4.31:1.00.
	In connection with the refinancing, the Company incurred approximately $3.8 million in creditor and third party fees, of which $3.7 million was deferred and is being amortized to interest expense over the life of the debt using the effective interest method. The Company also deferred $0.5 million in debt discounts related to the new Term Loan B borrowings, which are being accreted to the Term Loan B using the effective interest method over the life of the debt and are reflected in interest expense. Additionally, the Company wrote off a proportionate amount of the unamortized deferred fees and debt discount from the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement totaling $0.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively, which are reflected in other expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Accretion of these discounts for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
	The aggregate maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2014, excluding capital lease obligations, based on the contractual terms of the instruments are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Term Loan
	2015		$	5,405
	2016		5,405
	2017		5,405
	2018		5,405
	2019		506,725
	Total		$	528,345
	The Company’s blended average interest rate on its long-term debt was approximately 6.3% and 6.1% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Capital Lease Obligations
	In addition to the long-term debt discussed above, the Company has entered into capital leases on vehicles with original lease terms of four to five years. At December 31, 2014, the carrying value and accumulated depreciation of these assets was $2.6 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The total net present value of the Company’s future minimum lease payments is $0.9 million. As of December 31, 2014, the principal portion of these capital lease obligations is due as follows: $0.4 million in 2015, $0.3 million in 2016, $0.1 million in 2017 and 2018 and less than $0.1 million in 2019.

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial Instruments	Financial Instruments
	The Company is exposed to market risks with respect to certain of the financial instruments that it holds. Cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reflected in the consolidated financial statements at cost, which approximates fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments. The fair values of other financial instruments are determined using observable market prices or using a valuation model, which is based on a conventional discounted cash flow methodology and utilizes assumptions of current market conditions. The following is a summary by balance sheet category:
	Long-Term Investments
	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company had an investment in CoBank, ACB (“CoBank”) of $1.5 million. This investment is primarily related to a required investment under the Original Credit Agreement and declared and unpaid patronage distributions of restricted equity related to the portion of the term loans previously held by CoBank. This investment is carried under the cost method as it is not practicable to estimate fair value. This investment is subject to redemption in accordance with CoBank’s capital recovery plans.
	Interest Rate Derivatives
	In February 2013, the Company purchased an interest rate cap for $0.9 million with a notional amount of $350.0 million, which caps the three month Eurodollar rate at 1.0% and expires in August 2015. The Company did not designate the interest rate cap agreement as a cash flow hedge for accounting purposes. Therefore, the change in market value of the agreement is recorded as a gain or loss in Other Expense. The Company recorded losses of $0.2 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively and an immaterial loss on the previous interest rate cap for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	The following table indicates the difference between face amount, carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
		Face			Carrying		Fair
	(In thousands)	Amount			Amount		Value
	31-Dec-14
	Nonderivatives:
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	73,546		$	73,546	$	73,546
	Restricted cash	2,167			2,167		2,167
	Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	N/A			1,522		N/A
	Financial liabilities:
	Term Loans	528,345			525,504		459,660
	Capital lease obligations	904			904		904
	Derivative related to debt:
	Interest rate cap asset	350,000		*	—		—
	31-Dec-13
	Nonderivatives:
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	88,441		$	88,441	$	88,441
	Restricted cash	2,167			2,167		2,167
	Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	N/A			1,499		N/A
	Financial liabilities:
	Term loans	493,750			489,441		495,848
	Capital lease obligations	925			925		925
	Derivative related to debt:
	Interest rate cap asset	350,000			229		229
	*	Notional amount
	The fair values of the Term Loans under the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement were derived based on bid prices at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The fair value of the derivative instrument was based on a quoted market price at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. These instruments are classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy described in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.

Equity_and_Earnings_Per_Share

Equity and Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Equity and Earnings Per Share	Equity and Earnings Per Share
	On August 24, 2009, the Board of Directors authorized management to repurchase up to $40.0 million of the Company’s common stock. The Company may conduct its purchases in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, through derivative transactions or through purchases made in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). The share repurchase program does not require the Company to acquire any specific number of shares and may be terminated at any time. Through December 31, 2009, the Company had repurchased 523,233 shares for $16.9 million. The Company did not repurchase any of its common shares during fiscal years 2012 through 2014 under the authorization. Additionally, during the fiscal years 2014 and 2013, the Company repurchased $0.1 million of restricted common stock in order to satisfy certain minimum tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of restricted stock.
	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares for earnings per share computation	$	(53,634	)	$	24,678		$	18,387
	Denominator:
	Total shares outstanding	21,616			21,510			21,261
	Less: unvested shares	(463		)	(443		)	(332		)
	Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares	(42		)	(41		)	(40		)
	Denominator for basic earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,111			21,026			20,889
	Plus: weighted average unvested shares	—			422			322
	Plus: common stock equivalents of stock options	—			285			126
	Plus: performance stock units	—			93			—
	Denominator for diluted earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,111			21,826			21,337
	In accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are considered a “participating security” for purposes of computing earnings or loss per common share pursuant to the two-class method. The Company's unvested restricted stock awards have rights to receive non-forfeitable dividends. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company has calculated basic earnings per share using weighted average shares outstanding and the two-class method and determined there was no significant difference in the per share amounts calculated under the two methods.
	For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, the denominator for diluted earnings per common share excludes approximately 1.6 million shares, 1.8 million shares and 1.8 million shares, respectively, related to stock options that were antidilutive for the respective periods presented. In addition, the performance-based portion of the performance stock units ("PSUs") is excluded from diluted earnings per share until the performance criteria are satisfied.

Stock_Plans

Stock Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Plans	Stock Plans
	The Company has employee equity incentive plans (referred to as the “Employee Equity Incentive Plans”) administered by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s board of directors, which permits the grant of long-term incentives to employees, including stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, performance stock units, incentive awards, other stock-based awards and dividend equivalents. The maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans is 4,025,000. The Company also has a non-employee director equity plan (the “Non-Employee Director Equity Plan”). The total number of shares of common stock originally available for grant under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan is 200,000. The Non-Employee Director Equity Plan together with the Employee Equity Incentive Plans are referred to as the “Equity Incentive Plans.” Awards under these plans are issuable to employees or non-employee directors as applicable.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued 347,023 stock options under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 27,170 stock options under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company issued 751,089 stock options under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 43,000 stock options under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. The options issued under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans generally vest one-fourth annually beginning one year after the grant date and the options issued under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan cliff vest on the first anniversary of the grant date.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company issued 132,401 shares of restricted stock under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 11,338 shares of restricted stock under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company issued 153,372 shares of restricted stock under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans and 14,455 shares of restricted stock under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan. The restricted shares granted under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans generally cliff vest on the first or third anniversary of the grant date. The restricted shares granted under the Non-Employee Director Equity Plan cliff vest on the first anniversary of the grant date. Dividend and voting rights applicable to restricted stock are equivalent to the Company’s common stock.
	During the year ended December 31, 2014, the Company granted 83,151 performance stock units ("PSUs") under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans to certain key employees. During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company granted 110,327 performance stock units ("PSUs") under the Employee Equity Incentive Plans to certain key employees. The PSUs cliff vest on the third anniversary of the grant date and are subject to certain performance and market conditions. Each PSU represents the contingent right to receive one share (or more based on maximum achievement) of the Company’s common stock if vesting is satisfied. The PSUs have no voting rights. Dividends, if any, that would have been paid on the underlying shares will be paid as dividend equivalent units on PSUs that vest, on or after the vesting date.
	Stock options must be granted under the Equity Incentive Plans at not less than 100% of fair value on the date of grant and have a maximum life of ten years from the date of grant. Stock options and other awards under the Equity Incentive Plans may be exercised in compliance with such requirements as determined by the Compensation Committee.
	Effective in 2010, upon the exercise of stock options or upon the grant of restricted stock under the Equity Incentive Plans, shares have been and are expected to continue to be issued from the treasury stock balance, if any. If no treasury shares are available for issuance, new common shares are expected to be issued.
	The Company accounts for share-based employee compensation plans under ASC 718, Stock Compensation. Equity-based compensation expense from share-based equity awards is recorded with an offsetting increase to additional paid in capital on the consolidated balance sheet. For equity awards with only service conditions, the Company recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
	The fair value of each common stock option award granted in 2014, 2013 and 2012 was estimated on the respective grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free rate is based on the zero-coupon U.S. Treasury rate in effect at the time of grant, with a term equal to the expected life of the options. The Company uses its post-February 2006 initial public offering volatility to estimate volatility assumptions for each year. The expected option life represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding and is based on historical experience. The expected dividend yield is estimated based on the Company’s historical and expected dividend yields at the date of the grant.
		2014		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate	2.40%		1.3% to 1.5%		1.0% to 1.7%
	Expected volatility	39.2% to 39.4%		39.3% to 39.6%		37.9% to 39.4%
	Weighted-average expected volatility	39.40%		39.40%		38.50%
	Expected dividend yield	8.5% to 12.9%		12.9% to 14.2%		7.2% to 11.6%
	Weighted-average expected dividend yield	12.60%		13.50%		7.70%
	Expected term	7 years		7 years		7 years
	Total equity-based compensation expense related to all of the Company’s share-based equity awards for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the Company’s 401(k) matching contributions was allocated as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014				2013			2012
	Cost of sales and services	$	593			$	634		$	1,199
	Customer operations	918				1,067			1,072
	Corporate operations	1,458				3,852			3,758
	Equity-based compensation expense	$	2,969			$	5,553		$	6,029
	Future charges for equity-based compensation related to instruments outstanding at December 31, 2014 are estimated to be $1.3 million for 2015, $0.7 million for 2016 and less than $0.1 million for 2017 and 2018.
	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s stock option awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Average			Average		Intrinsic
					Exercise			Remaining		Value
					Price per			Contractual
					Share			Term
	Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2014	2,603			$	19.45
	Granted during the period	374			13.42
	Exercised during the period	—			—
	Forfeited/expired during the period	(1,394	)		18.24
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,583			$	19.09		4.5		$	4
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	576			$	17.99		6		$	4
	Total expected to vest at December 31, 2014	1,394			$	18.24
	The weighted average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.02, $0.71 and $3.32, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during fiscal year 2014 was an immaterial amount, with $0.1 million and $0.1 million, during fiscal years 2013 and 2012, respectively. The total fair value of options that vested during fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $1.5 million, $1.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was approximately $0.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.6 years.
	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s restricted stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
	Restricted stock awards outstanding at January 1, 2014	325			$	17.41
	Granted during the period	144			13.35
	Vested during the period	(89	)		19.93
	Forfeited during the period	(135	)		15.96
	Restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2014	245			$	14.93
	As of December 31, 2014, there was $1.4 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. The fair value of the restricted stock award is equal to the market value of common stock on the date of grant.
	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s performance stock unit awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share
	Performance stock units outstanding at January 1, 2014	110			$	12.79
	Granted during the period	83			9.5
	Vested during the period	(8	)		12.83
	Forfeited during the period	(86	)		11.39
	Performance stock units outstanding at December 31, 2014	99			$	11.24
	At December 31, 2014, there was $0.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested PSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.5 years. The fair value of the PSU is estimated at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model.
	In addition to the Equity Incentive Plans discussed above, the Company has an employee stock purchase plan, which commenced in July 2006 with 100,000 shares available. Shares purchased under this plan have been issued from the treasury stock balance. If treasury shares are not available, new common shares have been issued for purchases under this plan. Shares are priced at 85% of the closing price on the last trading day of the month and settle on the second business day of the following month. During fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012, 4,669 shares, 6,183 shares and 4,601 shares, respectively, were issued under the employee stock purchase plan. Compensation expense associated with the employee stock purchase plan for fiscal years 2014, 2013 and 2012 was immaterial.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	The components of income tax expense from continuing operations are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	—		$	589		$	(3,390	)
	State	465			987			(81		)
		465			1,576			(3,471		)
	Deferred tax expense:
	Federal	(28,445		)	13,437			14,271
	State	(4,914		)	3,531			1,876
		(33,359		)	16,968			16,147
		$	(32,894	)	$	18,544		$	12,676
	Total income tax expense was different than an amount computed by applying the graduated statutory federal income tax rates to income before taxes. The reasons for the differences are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Computed tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	$	(29,771	)	$	15,849		$	11,551
	Nondeductible compensation	87			273			206
	Noncontrolling interests	(514		)	(721		)	(679		)
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(2,892		)	2,937			1,167
	Other	196			206			431
		$	(32,894	)	$	18,544		$	12,676
	During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized a tax (benefit)/expense of approximately $1.0 million, $0.7 million, and $(0.1) million, respectively, in stockholders’ equity associated with the excess tax benefit realized by the Company for stock compensation plans. Deferred tax assets are not recognized for net operating loss carry-forwards resulting from excess benefits related to equity compensation. As of December 31, 2014, deferred tax assets do not include $0.4 million of excess tax benefits that are a component of the Company's net operating loss carry-forwards. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized a tax expense of $5.0 million, $3.5 million and $2.1 million, respectively, in accumulated other comprehensive loss associated with the adjustments to various employee benefit plan liabilities in accordance with ASC 715.
	Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following components as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets
	Retirement benefits other than pension	$	1,232		$	778
	Pension and related plans	7,158			3,685
	Net operating loss	46,264			43,347
	Accrued expenses	3,554			3,644
	Other	5,163			4,002
		63,371			55,456
	Deferred income tax liabilities
	Property and equipment	45,096			69,897
	Intangible assets	1,009			1,567
	Licenses	32,116			36,235
		78,221			107,699
		$	(14,850	)	$	(52,243	)
	We expect to incur a Net Operating Loss ("NOL") in 2014 of approximately $9.2 million primarily resulting from recent changes in allowable bonus depreciation. The Company also has certain Federal prior year unused NOLs, including certain built-in losses that are subject to limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“IRC”) Section 382. These prior year NOLs are subject to an adjusted annual maximum limit (the “IRC 382 Limit”) of approximately $8.9 million. Based on the IRC 382 Limit, the Company expects that $109.7 million of these prior year NOLs will be available to the Company as follows: $24.3 million in 2015 (with $15.4 million total anticipated carryover from 2013 and 2014), $8.9 million per year in 2016 through 2024, $4.9 million in 2025 and $0.4 million in 2026. The Company also has certain state NOLs that will be available to the Company substantially similar to the Federal NOLs. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that its results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.
	The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized income tax benefits (“UTBs”) in interest expense and penalties on UTBs in income tax expense. The Company did not have any UTBs as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	While the Company believes it has adequately provided for all tax positions, amounts asserted by taxing authorities could be greater than its accrued position. Accordingly, additional provisions could be recorded in the future as revised estimates are made or the underlying matters are settled or otherwise resolved. In general, the tax years that remain open and subject to federal and state audit examinations are 2011-2014 and 2010-2014, respectively.

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits	Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
	The Company sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension plans and other postretirement benefit plans for its employees. The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the qualified plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets and a statement of the funded status as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the classification of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
		Defined Benefit								Other Postretirement
		Pension Plan								Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligations, beginning of period	$	27,774			$	32,176			$	1,980		$	2,045
	Service cost	—				—				40			54
	Interest cost	1,375				1,325				98			84
	Actuarial (gain) loss	10,135				(5,116		)		805			(187		)
	Benefits paid, net	(1,002		)		(389		)		(26		)	(16		)
	Benefit obligations transferred	—				(222		)		214			—
	Benefit obligations, end of period	$	38,282			$	27,774			$	3,111		$	1,980
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	$	24,610			$	20,837			$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	1,148				4,255				—			—
	Employer contributions	—				32				102			16
	Benefits paid	(1,040		)		(425		)		(102		)	(16		)
	Plan assets transferred	—				(89		)		—			—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$	24,718			$	24,610			$	—		$	—
	Funded status:
	Total liability at December 31,	$	(13,564	)		$	(3,164	)		$	(3,111	)	$	(1,980	)
	In connection with the business separation, the Company transferred total assets of $0.5 million and total benefit obligations of $1.0 million between 2012 and 2013 related to Lumos Networks employees into a new defined benefit pension plan adopted by Lumos Networks. In addition, the transfer of the benefit obligation triggered the transfer of $0.2 million of unrealized actuarial loss classified in other comprehensive income between 2012 and 2013. No additional transfers will be required in future periods for either plan.
	The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $38.3 million and $27.8 million, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation represents the present value of pension benefits based on service and salary earned to date. As of December 31, 2012, the Company froze future benefit accruals, resulting in a $7.5 million reduction in the Company’s projected benefit obligations due to the curtailment. Accordingly, the accumulated benefit obligation is equal to the projected benefit obligation.
	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Defined Benefit Pension Plan											Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012			2014				2013		2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	—			$	—			$	1,838		$	40			$	54	$	41
	Interest cost	1,375				1,325				1,489			122				78		88
	Recognized net actuarial loss	—				131				734			102				16		28
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,886		)		(1,595		)		(1,293		)	—				—		—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(511	)		$	(139	)		$	2,768		$	264			$	148	$	157
	Prior service costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of active participants. Gains and losses in excess of 10% of the greater of the benefit obligation and the market-related value of assets are amortized over the average remaining service period of active participants.
	Unrecognized actuarial (gains)/losses in 2014 were $10.9 million and $(0.8) million for the defined benefit pension plan and the other postretirement benefit plans, respectively. The total amount of unrecognized actuarial (gain)/loss recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2014 related to these respective plans was $6.0 million, net of a $(3.8) million deferred tax asset, and $(0.3) million, net of a $0.2 million deferred tax liability.
	The total amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive loss related to actuarial losses from the defined benefit plans was $0.1 million, $0.3 million, and $0.5 million for the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, all of which has been reclassified to cost of sales and services, customer operations, and corporate operations on the consolidated statement of operations for the respective periods.
	The assumptions used in the measurements of the Company’s benefit obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are shown in the following table:
		Defined						Other
		Benefit						Postretirement
		Pension Plan						Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Discount rate	4	%		5	%		4.1	%		5	%
	The assumptions used in the measurements of the Company’s net cost for the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are:
		Defined Benefit									Other
		Pension Plan									Postretirement
											Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012
	Discount rate	5	%		4.15	%		4.45	%		5	%	4.15	%		4.45	%
	Expected return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		—		—			—
	Rate of compensation increase	—			—			3	%		—		—			—
	The Company reviews the assumptions noted in the above table annually or more frequently to reflect anticipated future changes in the underlying economic factors used to determine these assumptions. The discount rates assumed reflect the rate at which the Company could invest in high quality corporate bonds in order to settle future obligations. In doing so, the Company utilizes a Citigroup Pension Discount Curve applied against the Company’s estimated defined benefit payments to derive a blended rate. The Citigroup Pension Discount Curve is derived from over 350 Aa rated corporate bonds. The Company also compares this to a Moody’s ten-year Aa rated bond index for reasonableness.
	In 2014, the Company adopted updated mortality tables published by the Society of Actuaries that predict increasing life expectancies in the United States. Additionally, the Company updated the discount rate as discussed above. Mortality and discount rate changes increased the benefit obligations approximately $2.4 million and $7.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2014.
	For measurement purposes, a 6.0% annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for 2015 for the obligation as of December 31, 2014. The rate was assumed to decrease one-half percent per year to a rate of 5.0% for 2017 and remain at that level thereafter.
	Assumed health care cost trend rates may have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. The effect of a 1% change on the medical trend rate per future year, while holding all other assumptions constant, to the service and interest cost components of net periodic postretirement health care benefit costs and accumulated postretirement benefit obligation would be a $0.1 million increase and a $0.7 million increase, respectively, for a 1% increase in medical trend rate and a $0.1 million decrease and a $0.5 million decrease, respectively, for a 1% decrease in medical trend rate.
	In developing the expected long-term rate of return assumption for the assets of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan, the Company evaluated input from its third-party pension plan administrator, including its review of asset class return expectations and long-term inflation assumptions. The Company also considered the related historical ten-year average asset return at December 31, 2014 as well as considered input from its third-party pension plan asset managers.
	The weighted average actual asset allocations by asset category as of December 31, 2014 and the fair value by asset category as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Actual Allocation as of			Fair Value as of
					December 31,
	Asset Category (dollars in thousands)	31-Dec-14			2014				2013
	Large Cap Value	17	%		$	4,082			$	8,097
	Large Cap Blend	10	%		2,347				4,022
	Large Growth	16	%		4,061				—
	Mid Cap Blend	9	%		2,246				1,500
	Small Cap Blend	5	%		1,348				1,005
Foreign Stock – Large Cap	19	%		4,778				1,706
Bond	20	%		4,849				7,548
Cash and cash equivalents	4	%		1,008				732
Total	100	%		$	24,719			$	24,610
The actual and target allocation for plan assets is broadly defined and measured as follows:
Asset Category	Actual			Target
	Allocation			Allocation
Equity securities	76	%		66	%
Bond securities and cash equivalents	24	%		34	%
Total	100	%		100	%
It is the Company’s policy to invest pension plan assets in a diversified portfolio consisting of an array of asset classes. The investment risk of the assets is limited by appropriate diversification both within and between asset classes. The assets are primarily invested in investment funds that invest in a broad mix of publicly traded equities, bonds and cash equivalents (and fair value is based on quoted market prices (“Level 1” input)). The allocation between equity and bonds is reset quarterly to the target allocations. Updates to the allocation are considered in the normal course and changes may be made when appropriate. The bond holdings consist of three bond funds split relatively evenly between these funds at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The maximum holdings of any one asset within these funds is under 4.5% of this fund and thus is well under 1% of the total portfolio. At December 31, 2014, the Company believes that there are no material concentrations of risk within the portfolio of plan assets.
The assumed long-term return noted above is the target long-term return. Overall return, risk adjusted return, and management fees are assessed against a peer group and benchmark indices. There are minimum performance standards that must be attained within the investment portfolio. Reporting on asset performance is provided quarterly and review meetings are held semi-annually. In addition to normal rebalancing to maintain an adequate cash reserve, projected cash flow needs of the plan are reviewed at least annually to ensure liquidity is properly managed.
The Company does not expect to contribute to the pension plan in 2015. The Company expects the net periodic benefit cost for the defined benefit pension plan in 2015 to be $0.3 million and expects the periodic benefit cost for the other postretirement benefit plans in 2015 to be $0.3 million.
The following estimated future pension benefit payments and other postretirement benefit plan payments which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the years indicated:
(In thousands)	Defined				Other
	Benefit				Postretirement
	Pension				Benefit Plans
	Plan
2015	$	608			$	74
2016	655				74
2017	707				85
2018	768				76
2019	819				80
Aggregate of next five years	5,892				619
Other Benefit Plans
The Company also sponsors a supplemental executive retirement plan. This nonqualified plan, which has no plan assets, was closed to new participants in 2003. The projected benefit obligation of this nonqualified plan was $8.3 million and $7.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total expense recognized related to this plan was $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
The Company recognized $0.1 million of expense from previously unrecognized loss related to the supplemental executive retirement plan for each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss was $1.2 million and $(0.6) million in 2014 and 2013, respectively. The total balance of unrecognized actuarial losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss at December 31, 2014 and 2013 related to this plan was $2.3 million, net of a $1.5 million deferred tax asset, and $1.7 million, net of a $1.0 million deferred tax asset, respectively. The total expense to be recognized in 2015 for the nonqualified pension plan is approximately $0.4 million and the estimated payments are expected to be approximately $0.5 million.
Estimated future benefit payments are expected to be paid in the years indicated: $0.5 million annually for each of the years 2015 through 2019 and $2.5 million in aggregate for the years 2020 through 2024.
The Company also sponsors a contributory defined contribution plan under IRC Section 401(k) for substantially all employees. The Company’s matching contributions to this plan were $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The Company’s policy is to make matching contributions in shares of the Company’s common stock. All of the matching contributions for 2014, 2013 and 2012 represented equity contributions.

Strategic_Network_Alliance

Strategic Network Alliance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stategic Network Alliance [Abstract]
Strategic Network Alliance	Strategic Network Alliance
	The Company provides PCS services and has contracted to provide LTE Services on a wholesale basis to other wireless communication providers, most notably through the SNA with Sprint in which the Company is the exclusive PCS/LTE service provider in the Company’s western Virginia and West Virginia service area (“SNA service area”) for all Sprint Code Division Multiple Access (“CDMA”) and LTE wireless customers. In May 2014 the parties entered into an amended agreement to extend the SNA. Pursuant to the terms of the SNA, the Company is required to upgrade its network in the SNA service area to provide LTE Services. As part of the amendment, the Company leases spectrum, on a non-cash basis, from Sprint in order to enhance the PCS/LTE services. The non-cash consideration attributable to the leased spectrum is approximately $4.9 million per year. The lease expense is recognized over the term of the lease and recorded within cost of sales and services, with the offsetting consideration recorded within wholesale and other revenue. Additionally, the amended SNA provides the Company access to Sprint’s nationwide 3G and 4G LTE network at rates that are reciprocal to rates paid by Sprint under the amended SNA. The amended SNA provides that a portion of the amount paid by Sprint thereunder is fixed. The fixed fee element of the amended SNA is subject to contractual reductions on August 1, 2015 and annually thereafter starting on January 1, 2016 that will result in a decrease of payments for the fixed fee element. The Company accounts for this fixed fee portion of the revenue earned from the SNA revenue on a straight line basis over the term of the agreement. In addition, these reductions are subject to further upward or downward resets in the fixed fee element. These resets, if any, will be recognized in the period in which it occurs.
	The Company generated 30.5%, 34.1% and 35.8% of its revenue from the SNA for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Revenues under the SNA have an effective minimum amount of $9.3 million per month subject to annual adjustments.
	In September 2013 the Company reached a settlement with Sprint over the disputes related to the SNA. The settlement resolved the open disputes under the SNA, including the data rate reset dispute that began in the fourth quarter 2011 and the unrelated historical billing disputes that were asserted by Sprint in the third quarter 2012. In connection with the settlement, the Company recognized an additional $9.6 million in Operating Income, consisting of a $9.0 million increase in revenue (primarily related to a reversal of the previously disclosed accrual) and a $0.6 million decrease in cost of sales and services, for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Commitments
	The Company has various contractual obligations such as purchase commitments and other executory contracts, which may affect its financial condition, but are not recognized as liabilities in its consolidated financial statements. The Company is contractually committed to acquire handsets, network equipment and make certain minimum lease payments for the use of property under operating lease agreements for administrative office space, retail space, tower space and equipment, certain of which have renewal options. The leases for retail and tower space have initial lease periods of one to thirty years. These leases, with few exceptions, provide for automatic renewal options and escalations that are either fixed or based on the consumer price index. Any rent abatements, along with rent escalations, are included in the computation of rent expense calculated on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
	The Company’s minimum lease term for most leases includes the initial non-cancelable term plus at least one renewal period, as the exercise of the related renewal option or options based on the premise that failure to renew the leases imposes an economic penalty on the Company in such amount that a renewal appears to be reasonably assured. The Company’s cell site leases generally provide for an initial non-cancelable term of 5 to 7 years with three renewal options of 5 years each. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the assets’ useful life or the lease term, including renewal option periods that are reasonably assured.
	Rent expense for all operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $37.0 million, $35.8 million and $33.2 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, and commercial commitments for network capital expenditures, handset equipment and other materials to support its operations, at December 31, 2014:
		Operating		Purchase
	(In thousands)	Leases		Commitments		Total
	2015	$	37,941	$	127,132	$	165,073
	2016	37,379		960		38,339
	2017	36,385		—		36,385
	2018	35,387		—		35,387
	2019	33,972		—		33,972
	Thereafter	121,754		—		121,754
		$	302,818	$	128,092	$	430,910
	The Company has assigned certain leases with lease terms expiring on various dates through 2029 to various third parties. Although the Company is not a guarantor under these leases, it remains secondarily liable for the lease payments for which it was responsible as the original lessee. The maximum potential liability for future rental payments the Company could be required to make under these leases at December 31, 2014 was $1.7 million. The Company does not believe it is probable that it would be required to make any lease payments resulting from its secondary liability for these leases therefore, no liability has been recorded.
	Reserve for Contingencies
	On occasion, the Company makes claims or receives disputes related to its billings to other carriers, including billings under the SNA agreement, for access to the Company’s network. These disputes may involve amounts which, if resolved unfavorably to the Company, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements. The Company does not recognize revenue related to such matters until the period that it is reasonably assured of the collection of these claims. In the event that a claim is made related to revenues previously recognized, the Company assesses the validity of the claim and adjusts the amount of revenue recognized to the extent that the claim adjustment is considered probable and reasonably estimable.
	The Company periodically disputes network access charges it is assessed by other companies with which the Company interconnects, and is involved in other disputes, claims, either asserted or unasserted, and legal and tax proceedings and filings arising from normal business activities. While the outcome of such matters is currently not determinable, and it is reasonably possible that the cost to resolve such matters could be material, management believes that adequate provision for any probable and reasonably estimable losses has been made in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event	Subsequent Event
	In January 20, 2015, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to sell up to 103 towers for approximately $41.0 million. The agreement provides that the Company will enter into long term lease agreements on the sold towers that are located in western Virginia and West Virginia. The transaction is expected to close in multiple installments during calendar year 2015, the first of which occurred on February 17, 2015 and consisted of 85 towers with proceeds to the Company of approximately $35.0 million. The inclusion of towers in any closing is subject to final due diligence and other customary closing conditions.

Quarterly_Financial_Summary

Quarterly Financial Summary	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Summary	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL SUMMARY
	(Unaudited)
		Fiscal Year 2014
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Operating Revenues	$	122,082	$	117,795	$	119,638	$	128,319
	Operating Income (Loss)	11,863		9,904		10,323		(83,340		)
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (1)	1,722		857		1,156		(55,901		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. (1)	1,286		484		804		(56,208		)
	Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
	Basic	$	0.06	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	(2.66	)
	Diluted	0.06		0.02		0.04		(2.66		)
		Fiscal Year 2013
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Operating Revenues	$	119,345	$	119,859	$	130,912	$	121,766
	Operating Income	17,496		23,554		27,422		7,364
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (2)	6,022		9,927		11,171		(381		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. (2)	5,493		9,386		10,583		(784		)
	Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
	Basic	$	0.26	$	0.45	$	0.5	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted	0.25		0.43		0.48		(0.04		)

Equipment_Installment_Plan_Rec

Equipment Installment Plan Receivable Equipment Installment Plan (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equipment Plan Receivable Text Block [Abstract]
Financing Receivables [Text Block]	Note 5. Equipment Installment Plan Receivables
	Certain subscribers have the option to pay for their devices in installments over a 24-month period. The carrying value of installment receivables approximates fair value, net of the deferred interest and estimated losses at time of trade-in. At the time of sale, we impute the interest on the installment receivable and record it as a reduction to equipment revenue and as a reduction to the face amount of the related receivable. Interest income is recognized over the term of the installment contract as operating revenue. Short-term installment receivables are recorded in "Accounts receivable, net" and long-term installment receivables are recorded in "Deferred Charges and Other assets" in the consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table summarizes the EIP receivables for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	December 31, 2014
	EIP receivables, gross	$	16,109
	Deferred interest	(807		)
	EIP receivables, net of deferred interest	15,302
	Allowance for trade-in losses	(2,450		)
	EIP receivables, net	$	12,852
	Classified on the consolidated balance sheet as:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	5,551
	Deferred Charges and Other assets	8,108
	Advanced billings and customer deposits	(807		)
	EIP receivables, net	$	12,852

Restructuring_Charges_Restruct

Restructuring Charges Restructuring (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	Note 9. Restructuring Charges
	In December 2014, the Company announced its intention to sell its wireless spectrum and wind down its operations in the Eastern Markets, and to reduce related corporate operating expenses during fiscal year 2015. In conjunction, as of December 31, 2014 , restructuring liabilities have been established for employee separations, lease abandonments, operating lease terminations, and other related costs, which are recorded in current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. A summary of the restructuring liabilities is presented below:
	(In thousands)	Employee Separation			Contract Terminations			Other			Total
	Expected period of Recognition	2014-2015			2014-2015			2014-2015
	Projected Range at Completion	$2,000 - $4,000			$40,000 - $45,000			$8,000 - $11,000			$50,000 - $60,000
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Charges	1,580			990			1,093			3,663
	Utilization	(84		)	(111		)	(68		)	(263		)
	Balances as of December 31, 2014	$	1,496		$	879		$	1,025		$	3,400
	Employee separation costs for certain Eastern Market and corporate employees of $1.6 million consist of severance to be paid in accordance with the Company’s written severance plan and certain management contracts. Severance payments are expected to be paid through 2015. Contract termination costs of $1.0 million include lease abandonment costs for retail stores in our Eastern Markets and other termination costs for contractual obligations for network services. Lease abandonment costs represent future minimum lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income. Contract termination costs are expected to be paid through 2019 absent any settlements with vendors. Other costs of $1.1 million include legal and advisory fees. These amounts are expected to be paid during 2015.

Significant_Accounting_Policie1

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles
	Goodwill and radio spectrum licenses are considered indefinite-lived intangible assets. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization but are instead tested for impairment annually, on October 1, or more frequently if an event indicates that the asset might be impaired.
	Before employing detailed impairment testing, the Company first evaluates the likelihood of impairment by considering relevant qualitative factors that may have a significant bearing on fair value. If we determine that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired, we apply detailed testing methodologies. Otherwise, we conclude that no impairment exists. For detailed testing, the Company uses a two-step process to test for goodwill impairment. Step one requires a determination of the fair value of each of the reporting units and, to the extent that this fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value (including goodwill), the step two calculation of implied fair value of goodwill is not required and no impairment loss is recognized. In testing for goodwill impairment, the Company utilizes an analysis which allocates enterprise value to the reporting units.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (“GAAP”).
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries and those limited liability corporations where the Company or certain of its subsidiaries, as managing member, exercises control. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. Effective September 30, 2014, the Company changed the classification of certain costs related to equipment incentives to retain existing customers from customer operations to cost of sales and services to better align our presentation with other wireless carriers. The reclassification resulted in an increase of $32.7 million and $28.4 million in cost of sales and services and a corresponding decrease in customer operations expenses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Additionally, certain information technology costs attributable to supporting billing and internal network and communication services were changed from cost of sales and services to customer operations and corporate operations also to align our presentation with other wireless carriers. The reclassification resulted in a decrease of $12.8 million and $11.4 million in cost of sales and services for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and an increase in customer operations expenses of $2.3 million and $2.1 million and an increase in corporate operations expenses of $10.5 million and $9.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Previously reported net income has not been affected by these reclassifications.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	The Company recognizes revenue when services are rendered or when products are delivered and functional, as applicable. Certain services of the Company require payment in advance of service performance. In such cases, the Company records a service liability at the time of billing and subsequently recognizes revenue ratably over the service period. The Company bills customers certain transactional taxes on service revenues. These transactional taxes are not included in reported revenues as they are recognized as liabilities at the time customers are billed.
	The Company earns retail and wholesale revenues by providing access to and usage of its networks. Retail and certain wholesale revenues are recognized as services are provided. In long term contracts certain fixed elements are required to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Revenues for equipment sales are recognized at the point of sale. Wireless handsets and other devices sold with service contracts are generally sold at prices below cost, based on the terms of the service contracts. The Company recognizes the entire cost of the handsets at the time of sale.
	On August 15, 2014, the Company launched its Equipment Installment Plan ("EIP"), which offers customers the option to pay for their devices over 24 months with no service contract. Additionally, after a specified period of time, customers have the right to trade in the original device for a new device and have the remaining unpaid balance satisfied. For customers that elect the EIP option, the Company recognizes revenue at the point of sale for the full retail price of the device, net of the estimated fair value of imputed interest and the estimated loss on trade-in. See Note 5 for additional information regarding EIP.
	The Company evaluates related transactions to determine whether they should be viewed as multiple deliverable arrangements, which impact revenue recognition. Multiple deliverable arrangements are presumed to be bundled transactions and the total consideration is measured and allocated to the separate units based on their relative selling price with certain limitations. The Company has determined that sales of handsets with service contracts related to these sales generated from Company-operated retail stores are multiple deliverable arrangements. Accordingly, substantially all of the nonrefundable activation fee revenues (as well as the associated direct costs) are allocated to the wireless handset and are recognized at the time of the sale, based on the fact that the handsets are generally sold well below cost and thus appropriately allocated to the point of sale based on the relative selling price evaluation. However, revenue and certain associated direct costs for activations sold at third-party retail locations are deferred and amortized over the estimated life of the customer relationship as the Company is not a principal in the transaction to sell the handset and therefore any activation fees charged are fully attributable to the service revenues.
	The Company recognizes revenue in the period that persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery of the product has occurred or services have been rendered, it is able to determine the amount and when the collection of such amount is considered probable.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	llowance for Doubtful Accounts
	The Company sells its PCS services to individuals and commercial end-users and to other communication carriers. The Company has credit and collection policies to maximize collection of trade receivables and requires deposits on certain sales. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical results, current and expected trends and changes in credit policies. Management believes the allowance adequately covers all anticipated losses with respect to trade receivables. Actual credit losses could differ from such estimates. The Company includes bad debt expense in customer operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations.
Inventories and Supplies	Inventories and Supplies
	The Company’s inventories and supplies consist primarily of items held for resale such as devices and accessories. The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or market. Inventory cost is computed on a currently adjusted standard cost basis (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis). Market value is determined by reviewing current replacement cost, marketability and obsolescence.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred income taxes are provided on an asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and income tax expense, respectively.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	In April 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-08, Reporting of Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which changes the criteria for determining which disposals can be presented as discontinued operations and modifies related disclosure requirements. The updated guidance defines discontinued operations as a disposal of a component or group of components that is disposed of or is classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. Additionally, the disclosure requirements for discontinued operations were expanded and new disclosures for individually significant dispositions that do not qualify as discontinued operations are required. The guidance is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted for transactions that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance. The standard will be effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2015 and will be applied to relevant future transactions.
	In May 2014, FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). This ASU provides a framework that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance and is intended to improve the financial reporting requirements. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption being prohibited. The impact of application of this ASU on the Company's financial statements has not been determined.
Cash	Cash
	The Company’s cash was held in market rate savings accounts and non-interest bearing deposit accounts. The total held in the market rate savings accounts at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was $28.5 million and $36.5 million, respectively. The remaining $45.0 million and $51.9 million of cash at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, was held in non-interest bearing deposit accounts.
Restricted Cash	Restricted Cash
	The Company is eligible to receive up to $5.0 million in connection with its winning bid in the Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction ("Auction 901"). Pursuant to the terms of Auction 901, the Company was required to obtain a Letter of Credit (“LOC”) for the benefit of the Universal Service Administrative Company (“USAC”) to cover each disbursement plus the amount of the performance default penalty (10% of the total eligible award). USAC may draw upon the LOC in the event the Company fails to demonstrate the required wireless service coverage by the applicable deadline in 2016. The Company obtained the first LOC in the amount of $2.2 million, representing the first disbursement of $1.7 million received in September 2013, plus the performance default penalty of $0.5 million. In accordance with the terms of the LOC, the Company deposited $2.2 million into a separate account at the issuing bank to serve as cash collateral. Such funds will be released when the LOC is terminated without being drawn upon by USAC.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Including Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Long-Lived Asset Recovery
	Long-lived assets comprise property, plant and equipment, intangible assets (including goodwill, radio spectrum licenses, customer relationships and trademarks) and long-term deferred charges. Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, are recorded at cost and reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount should be evaluated pursuant to the subsequent measurement guidance described in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. Impairment is determined by comparing the carrying value of these long-lived assets to management’s best estimate of future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated undiscounted cash flows, the excess of the asset’s carrying value over the estimated fair value is recorded as an impairment charge.
	Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which the Company reviews and updates based on historical experiences and future expectations. Buildings are depreciated over a 50-year life and leasehold improvements, which are categorized in land and buildings, are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the remaining lease terms. Network plant and equipment, which includes cell towers and site costs, and switch, cell site and other network equipment, are depreciated over various lives ranging from 5 to 17 years, with a weighted average life of approximately 10 years. Furniture, fixtures and other equipment are depreciated over various lives ranging from 2 to 18 years.
	The Company formally evaluates the appropriateness of estimated useful lives on at least an annual basis. Consideration is given to the trends in technological evolution and the telecommunications industry, the Company’s maintenance practices and the functional condition of long-lived assets in relation to the remaining estimated useful life of the asset. When necessary, adjustments are made to the applicable useful life of an asset class or depreciation is accelerated for assets that have been identified for retirement prior to the expiration of the original useful life.
Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations	Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations
	An asset retirement obligation is evaluated and recorded as appropriate on assets for which the Company has a legal obligation to retire. The Company records a liability for an asset retirement obligation and the associated asset retirement cost at the time the underlying asset is acquired. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted at the end of each period to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation, if any.
	The Company enters into long-term leasing arrangements primarily for tower sites and retail store locations. The Company constructs assets at these locations and, in accordance with the terms of many of these agreements, the Company is obligated to restore the premises to their original condition at the conclusion of the agreements, generally at the demand of the other party to these agreements. The Company recognizes the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation and capitalizes that cost as part of the cost basis of the related asset, depreciating it over the useful life of the related asset.
	The following table indicates the changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Asset retirement obligations, beginning	$	22,628	$	16,767
	Net increases due to changes in, and timing of estimated future cash flows	3,644		5,181
	Accretion of asset retirement obligations	1,288		680
	Asset retirement obligations, ending	$	27,560	$	22,628
	The Company revised cost estimates used to determine the fair value of its asset retirement obligations resulting in an increase in the liability and related assets of $3.5 million
Advertising Costs	Advertising Costs
	The Company expenses advertising costs and marketing production costs as incurred (included within customer operations expense in the consolidated statements of operations). Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were $19.4 million, $19.2 million and $17.7 million, respectively.

Significant_Accounting_Policie2

Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Changes in Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are summarized in the table below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	6,541		$	4,811		$	15,666
	Charged to operating expenses (1)	15,172			15,511			9,453
	Deductions (2)	(13,040		)	(13,781		)	(20,308		)
	Balance at end of year	$	8,673		$	6,541		$	4,811
	(1)	Reflects provision for doubtful accounts, recorded in customer operations expense.
	(2)	Reflects uncollectible accounts written off against the allowance, net of recoveries and credits issued to customers.
Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities	Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Accrued interest	$	85		$	4,584
	Accrued payroll	6,545			5,842
	Accrued taxes	5,383			4,949
	Other	15,140			10,969
	Total	$	27,153		$	26,344

Supplemental_Financial_Informa1

Supplemental Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Financial Information [Abstract]
Asset Retirement Obligations	The following table indicates the changes to the Company’s asset retirement obligation liability, which is included in other long-term liabilities, for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	2014		2013
	Asset retirement obligations, beginning	$	22,628	$	16,767
	Net increases due to changes in, and timing of estimated future cash flows	3,644		5,181
	Accretion of asset retirement obligations	1,288		680
	Asset retirement obligations, ending	$	27,560	$	22,628

Supplementary_Disclosures_Of_C

Supplementary Disclosures Of Condensed Consolidated statements of Cash Flows (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplementary Cash Flow Information	The following information is presented as supplementary disclosures for the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014		2013		2012
	Cash payments for:
	Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$	34,891	$	22,693	$	19,870
	Income taxes	3,601		4,087		1,761
	Cash received from income tax refunds	1,434		3,704		56
	Supplemental investing and financing activities:
	Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	8,509		8,272		6,127
	Borrowings under capital leases	562		380		638
	Dividends declared not paid	—		9,221		—

Property_Plan_And_Equipment_Ta

Property, Plan And Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	The components of property, plant and equipment, and the related accumulated depreciation, were as follows:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-14		31-Dec-13
	Land and buildings	$	30,772	$	34,223
	Network plant and equipment	445,940		471,032
	Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	91,512		103,181
		568,224		608,436
	Under construction	18,213		6,430
		586,437		614,866
	Less: accumulated depreciation	296,490		295,490
	Property, plant and equipment, net	$	289,947	$	319,376

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table Text Block]	At December 31, 2014 and 2013, goodwill and radio spectrum licenses were comprised of the following:
			December 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	(In thousands)		Goodwill				Radio Spectrum Licenses				Goodwill			Radio Spectrum Licenses
	Balance at beginning of the period		$	63,700			$	131,834			$	63,700		$	132,033
	Impairment loss in the period		—				(28,990		)		—			—
	Transferred to assets held for sale		—				(57,911		)		—			—
	Disposals		—				—				—			(199		)
	Total		$	63,700			$	44,933			$	63,700		$	131,834
Schedule of Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization	Customer relationships and trademarks are considered amortizable intangible assets. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, customer relationships and trademarks were comprised of the following:
				31-Dec-14											31-Dec-13
	(In thousands)	Estimated		Gross Amount				Accumulated				Net			Gross Amount		Accumulated			Net
		Useful Life						Amortization									Amortization
	Customer relationship	17.5 years		$	36,900			$	(34,305	)		$	2,595		$	36,900	$	(32,871	)	$	4,029
	Trademarks	15 years		7,000				(4,511		)		2,489			7,000		(4,044		)	2,956
	Total			$	43,900			$	(38,816	)		$	5,084		$	43,900	$	(36,915	)	$	6,985
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense for the Next Five Years	Amortization expense for the next five years is expected to be as follows:
	(In thousands)	Customer				Trademarks				Total
		Relationships
	2015	$	324			$	467			$	791
	2016	324				467				791
	2017	324				467				791
	2018	324				467				791
	2019	324				467				791
	Thereafter	975				154				1,129
		$	2,595			$	2,489			$	5,084

LongTerm_Debt_Tables

Long-Term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	As of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s outstanding long-term debt consisted of the following:
	(In thousands)	31-Dec-14			31-Dec-13
	Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount	$	524,504		$	489,441
	Capital lease obligations	904			925
		525,408			490,366
	Less: current portion of long-term debt	5,816			5,410
	Long-term debt	$	519,592		$	484,956
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt	The aggregate maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2014, excluding capital lease obligations, based on the contractual terms of the instruments are as follows:
	(In thousands)		Term Loan
	2015		$	5,405
	2016		5,405
	2017		5,405
	2018		5,405
	2019		506,725
	Total		$	528,345

Financial_Instruments_Tables

Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Difference Between Face Amount, Carrying Amount and Fair Value of Financial Instruments	The following table indicates the difference between face amount, carrying amount and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
		Face			Carrying		Fair
	(In thousands)	Amount			Amount		Value
	31-Dec-14
	Nonderivatives:
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	73,546		$	73,546	$	73,546
	Restricted cash	2,167			2,167		2,167
	Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	N/A			1,522		N/A
	Financial liabilities:
	Term Loans	528,345			525,504		459,660
	Capital lease obligations	904			904		904
	Derivative related to debt:
	Interest rate cap asset	350,000		*	—		—
	31-Dec-13
	Nonderivatives:
	Financial assets:
	Cash	$	88,441		$	88,441	$	88,441
	Restricted cash	2,167			2,167		2,167
	Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	N/A			1,499		N/A
	Financial liabilities:
	Term loans	493,750			489,441		495,848
	Capital lease obligations	925			925		925
	Derivative related to debt:
	Interest rate cap asset	350,000			229		229
	*	Notional amount

Equity_and_Earnings_Per_Share_

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Computation of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Numerator:
	Net income (loss) applicable to common shares for earnings per share computation	$	(53,634	)	$	24,678		$	18,387
	Denominator:
	Total shares outstanding	21,616			21,510			21,261
	Less: unvested shares	(463		)	(443		)	(332		)
	Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares	(42		)	(41		)	(40		)
	Denominator for basic earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,111			21,026			20,889
	Plus: weighted average unvested shares	—			422			322
	Plus: common stock equivalents of stock options	—			285			126
	Plus: performance stock units	—			93			—
	Denominator for diluted earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding	21,111			21,826			21,337

Stock_Plans_Tables

Stock Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of Stock Options Activity	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s stock option awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares		Weighted		Weighted	Aggregate
				Average		Average	Intrinsic
				Exercise		Remaining	Value
				Price per		Contractual
				Share		Term
	Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2014	2,603		$	19.45
	Granted during the period	374		13.42
	Exercised during the period	—		—
	Forfeited/expired during the period	(1,394	)	18.24
	Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,583		$	19.09	4.5	$	4
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	576		$	17.99	6	$	4
	Total expected to vest at December 31, 2014	1,394		$	18.24
Summary of Restricted Stock Awards Activity	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s restricted stock awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
	Restricted stock awards outstanding at January 1, 2014	325		$	17.41
	Granted during the period	144		13.35
	Vested during the period	(89	)	19.93
	Forfeited during the period	(135	)	15.96
	Restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2014	245		$	14.93
Summary of Performance Stock Units Activity	The summary of the activity and status of the Company’s performance stock unit awards for the year ended December 31, 2014 is as follows:
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share
	Performance stock units outstanding at January 1, 2014	110		$	12.79
	Granted during the period	83		9.5
	Vested during the period	(8	)	12.83
	Forfeited during the period	(86	)	11.39
	Performance stock units outstanding at December 31, 2014	99		$	11.24

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of income tax expense from continuing operations	The components of income tax expense from continuing operations are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Current tax expense (benefit):
	Federal	$	—		$	589		$	(3,390	)
	State	465			987			(81		)
		465			1,576			(3,471		)
	Deferred tax expense:
	Federal	(28,445		)	13,437			14,271
	State	(4,914		)	3,531			1,876
		(33,359		)	16,968			16,147
		$	(32,894	)	$	18,544		$	12,676
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Computed tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	$	(29,771	)	$	15,849		$	11,551
	Nondeductible compensation	87			273			206
	Noncontrolling interests	(514		)	(721		)	(679		)
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(2,892		)	2,937			1,167
	Other	196			206			431
		$	(32,894	)	$	18,544		$	12,676
Income Tax Expenses (Benefit) Allocation	The reasons for the differences are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012
	Computed tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	$	(29,771	)	$	15,849		$	11,551
	Nondeductible compensation	87			273			206
	Noncontrolling interests	(514		)	(721		)	(679		)
	State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	(2,892		)	2,937			1,167
	Other	196			206			431
		$	(32,894	)	$	18,544		$	12,676
Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities consist of the following components as of December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(In thousands)	2014			2013
	Deferred income tax assets
	Retirement benefits other than pension	$	1,232		$	778
	Pension and related plans	7,158			3,685
	Net operating loss	46,264			43,347
	Accrued expenses	3,554			3,644
	Other	5,163			4,002
		63,371			55,456
	Deferred income tax liabilities
	Property and equipment	45,096			69,897
	Intangible assets	1,009			1,567
	Licenses	32,116			36,235
		78,221			107,699
		$	(14,850	)	$	(52,243	)

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre1

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Qualified Plans' Benefit Obligations and Fair Value of Assets and a Statement of the Funded Status	The following tables provide a reconciliation of the changes in the qualified plans’ benefit obligations and fair value of assets and a statement of the funded status as of and for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the classification of amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
		Defined Benefit								Other Postretirement
		Pension Plan								Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2014			2013
	Change in benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligations, beginning of period	$	27,774			$	32,176			$	1,980		$	2,045
	Service cost	—				—				40			54
	Interest cost	1,375				1,325				98			84
	Actuarial (gain) loss	10,135				(5,116		)		805			(187		)
	Benefits paid, net	(1,002		)		(389		)		(26		)	(16		)
	Benefit obligations transferred	—				(222		)		214			—
	Benefit obligations, end of period	$	38,282			$	27,774			$	3,111		$	1,980
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	$	24,610			$	20,837			$	—		$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	1,148				4,255				—			—
	Employer contributions	—				32				102			16
	Benefits paid	(1,040		)		(425		)		(102		)	(16		)
	Plan assets transferred	—				(89		)		—			—
	Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$	24,718			$	24,610			$	—		$	—
	Funded status:
	Total liability at December 31,	$	(13,564	)		$	(3,164	)		$	(3,111	)	$	(1,980	)
Schedule of Net Periodic Benefits Cost	The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit cost for the plans for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Defined Benefit Pension Plan											Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
	(In thousands)	2014				2013				2012			2014				2013		2012
	Components of net periodic benefit cost:
	Service cost	$	—			$	—			$	1,838		$	40			$	54	$	41
	Interest cost	1,375				1,325				1,489			122				78		88
	Recognized net actuarial loss	—				131				734			102				16		28
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,886		)		(1,595		)		(1,293		)	—				—		—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	(511	)		$	(139	)		$	2,768		$	264			$	148	$	157
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The assumptions used in the measurements of the Company’s benefit obligations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are shown in the following table:
		Defined						Other
		Benefit						Postretirement
		Pension Plan						Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Discount rate	4	%		5	%		4.1	%		5	%
	The assumptions used in the measurements of the Company’s net cost for the consolidated statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are:
		Defined Benefit									Other
		Pension Plan									Postretirement
											Benefit Plans
		2014			2013			2012			2014		2013			2012
	Discount rate	5	%		4.15	%		4.45	%		5	%	4.15	%		4.45	%
	Expected return on plan assets	7.25	%		7.75	%		7.75	%		—		—			—
	Rate of compensation increase	—			—			3	%		—		—			—
Schedule of Weighted Average Actual Asset Allocations by Asset Category	The weighted average actual asset allocations by asset category as of December 31, 2014 and the fair value by asset category as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:
		Actual Allocation as of			Fair Value as of
					December 31,
	Asset Category (dollars in thousands)	31-Dec-14			2014				2013
	Large Cap Value	17	%		$	4,082			$	8,097
	Large Cap Blend	10	%		2,347				4,022
	Large Growth	16	%		4,061				—
	Mid Cap Blend	9	%		2,246				1,500
	Small Cap Blend	5	%		1,348				1,005
	Foreign Stock – Large Cap	19	%		4,778				1,706
	Bond	20	%		4,849				7,548
	Cash and cash equivalents	4	%		1,008				732
	Total	100	%		$	24,719			$	24,610
Schedule of Actual and Target Allocation	The actual and target allocation for plan assets is broadly defined and measured as follows:
	Asset Category	Actual			Target
		Allocation			Allocation
	Equity securities	76	%		66	%
	Bond securities and cash equivalents	24	%		34	%
	Total	100	%		100	%
Schedule of Estimated Future Pension Benefit Payments and Other Postretirement	The following estimated future pension benefit payments and other postretirement benefit plan payments which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the years indicated:
	(In thousands)	Defined				Other
		Benefit				Postretirement
		Pension				Benefit Plans
		Plan
	2015	$	608			$	74
	2016	655				74
	2017	707				85
	2018	768				76
	2019	819				80
	Aggregate of next five years	5,892				619

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Contractual Obligations, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	Rent expense for all operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $37.0 million, $35.8 million and $33.2 million, respectively. The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases, and commercial commitments for network capital expenditures, handset equipment and other materials to support its operations, at December 31, 2014:
		Operating		Purchase
	(In thousands)	Leases		Commitments		Total
	2015	$	37,941	$	127,132	$	165,073
	2016	37,379		960		38,339
	2017	36,385		—		36,385
	2018	35,387		—		35,387
	2019	33,972		—		33,972
	Thereafter	121,754		—		121,754
		$	302,818	$	128,092	$	430,910

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Ta

Quarterly Financial Summary (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Summary
		Fiscal Year 2014
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)	Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Operating Revenues	$	122,082	$	117,795	$	119,638	$	128,319
	Operating Income (Loss)	11,863		9,904		10,323		(83,340		)
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (1)	1,722		857		1,156		(55,901		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. (1)	1,286		484		804		(56,208		)
	Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
	Basic	$	0.06	$	0.02	$	0.04	$	(2.66	)
	Diluted	0.06		0.02		0.04		(2.66		)
		Fiscal Year 2013
		First		Second		Third		Fourth
		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter		Quarter
	Operating Revenues	$	119,345	$	119,859	$	130,912	$	121,766
	Operating Income	17,496		23,554		27,422		7,364
	Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations (2)	6,022		9,927		11,171		(381		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp. (2)	5,493		9,386		10,583		(784		)
	Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
	Basic	$	0.26	$	0.45	$	0.5	$	(0.04	)
	Diluted	0.25		0.43		0.48		(0.04		)
	(1)	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 include increased equipment revenue from EIP and the impairment and restructuring costs associated with the sale of the spectrum and the wind down of our operations in our Eastern Markets.
	(2)	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 included increased equipment cost of approximately $8.0 million for new sales activations and upgrades for existing customers due to seasonality and the launch of the new iPhones combined with the nControl rate plans during the fourth quarter.

Equipment_Installment_Plan_Rec1

Equipment Installment Plan Receivable Equipment Installment Plan Receivable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equipment Plan Receivable Text Block [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the EIP receivables for the year ended December 31, 2014:
	(In thousands)	December 31, 2014
	EIP receivables, gross	$	16,109
	Deferred interest	(807		)
	EIP receivables, net of deferred interest	15,302
	Allowance for trade-in losses	(2,450		)
	EIP receivables, net	$	12,852
	Classified on the consolidated balance sheet as:
	Accounts receivable, net	$	5,551
	Deferred Charges and Other assets	8,108
	Advanced billings and customer deposits	(807		)
	EIP receivables, net	$	12,852

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	A summary of the restructuring liabilities is presented below:
	(In thousands)	Employee Separation			Contract Terminations			Other			Total
	Expected period of Recognition	2014-2015			2014-2015			2014-2015
	Projected Range at Completion	$2,000 - $4,000			$40,000 - $45,000			$8,000 - $11,000			$50,000 - $60,000
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
	Charges	1,580			990			1,093			3,663
	Utilization	(84		)	(111		)	(68		)	(263		)
	Balances as of December 31, 2014	$	1,496		$	879		$	1,025		$	3,400

Description_of_Business_Detail

Description of Business (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 01, 2014
Date of acquisition agreement	18-Jan-05
Spectrum License, Held for Sale		$56
NTELOS
Ownership interest acquired	24.90%
Quadrangle
Major shareholder ownership percentage	20.00%

Significant_Accounting_Policie3

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information (Allowance For Doubtful Accounts) - (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$6,541		$4,811		$15,666
Charged to operating expense	15,172	[1]	15,511	[1]	9,453	[1]
Deductions	-13,040	[2]	-13,781	[2]	-20,308	[2]
Balance at end of year	$8,673		$6,541		$4,811
[1]	Reflects provision for doubtful accounts, recorded in customer operations expense.
[2]	Reflects uncollectible accounts written off against the allowance, net of recoveries and credits issued to customers.

Significant_Accounting_Policie4

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information (Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accrued interest	$85		$4,584
Accrued payroll	6,545		5,842
Accrued taxes	5,383		4,949
Other	15,140	[1]	10,969	[1]
Total	$27,153		$26,344
[1]	{F|ahBzfndlYmZpbGluZ3MtaHJkcmoLEgZYTUxEb2MiXlhCUkxEb2NHZW5JbmZvOjY4NzBmN2Y1MjA2MTRmOGQ4MTM0M2U5MTExMDg0MTJjfFRleHRTZWxlY3Rpb246NUZGNUJBMTYzMkRBQkREODc1RkRBNUU1MzcwNUI0RTQM}

Significant_Accounting_Policie5

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information (Reclassifications) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Customer operations	$105,774,000	$106,235,000	$98,956,000
Corporate operations	42,195,000	42,305,000	43,755,000
Equipment Incentive [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost of Goods Sold		32,700,000	28,400,000
IT Cost [Member] | Scenario, Adjustment [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cost of Goods Sold		-12,800,000	-11,400,000
Customer operations		2,300,000	2,100,000
Corporate operations		$10,500,000	$9,300,000

Significant_Accounting_Policie6

Significant Accounting Policies and Other Information Significant Accounting Policies (Long-Lived Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Long-Lived Assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	5 years
Maximum [Member]
Long-Lived Assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	17 years
Weighted Average [Member]
Long-Lived Assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	10 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Long-Lived Assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	2 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Long-Lived Assets [Abstract]
Estimated useful life	18 years

Supplemental_Financial_Informa2

Supplemental Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Market rate savings account	$36,500,000	$28,500,000	$36,500,000
Non-interest bearing deposit accounts insured by FDIC	51,900,000	45,000,000	51,900,000
Increase in asset retirement obligation due to revision of cost estimates	5,000,000	3,500,000
Advertising expense		19,400,000	19,200,000	17,700,000
Proceeds from sale of intangible Assets		0	4,644,000	0
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Intangible Assets		0	4,442,000	0
Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction (Auction 90) [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Performance Default Penalty Under Government Funding Auction, as a Percentage of Total Funding		10.00%
Line of credit obtained pursuant to the terms of the Government funding auction, current borrowing capacity		2,200,000
First scheduled disbursement under Government funding auction					1,700,000
Performance default penalty under Government funding auction, amount		500,000
Restricted cash		2,200,000
Connect America Fund's Mobility Fund Phase I Auction (Auction 90) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Amount company is eligible to receive under Government funding auction		$5,000,000

Supplemental_Financial_Informa3

Supplemental Financial Informations (Changes To Company's Asset Retirement Obligation Liability) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Asset Retirement Obligation, Roll Forward Analysis [Roll Forward]
Asset retirement obligations, beginning	$22,628	$16,767
Net increases due to changes in, and timing of estimated future cash flows	3,644	5,181
Accretion of asset retirement obligations	1,288	680
Asset retirement obligations, ending	$27,560	$22,628

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Supplementary Disclosures Of Condensed Consolidated statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash payments for:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	$34,891,000	$22,693,000	$19,870,000
Income taxes	3,601,000	4,087,000	1,761,000
Cash received from income tax refunds	1,434,000	3,704,000	56,000
Supplemental investing and financing activities:
Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities	8,509,000	8,272,000	6,127,000
Borrowings under capital leases	562,000	380,000	638,000
Dividends declared not paid	0	9,221,000	0
Interest capitalized	$300,000	$100,000	$100,000

Property_Plan_And_Equipment_Na

Property, Plan And Equipment (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Additional Depreciation From Changes in Accounting Estimate		$0.30	$1.30
Impairment Charge on Reclassified Assets	57
Long-Lived Assets to be Abandoned, Carrying Value of Asset	$1.90			1.9
Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				17 years
Weighted Average [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				10 years
Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				18 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Estimated useful life				2 years

Property_Plan_And_Equipment_De

Property, Plan And Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment
Land and buildings	$30,772	$34,223
Network plant and equipment	445,940	471,032
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment	91,512	103,181
Total in service	568,224	608,436
Under construction	18,213	6,430
Property, plant and equipment, gross	586,437	614,866
Less: accumulated depreciation	296,490	295,490
Property, plant and equipment, net	$289,947	$319,376

Intangible_Assets_Narrative_De

Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Amortization expense	$1.90	$3	$3.30

Intangible_Assets_FiniteLived_

Intangible Assets (Finite-Lived Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Amount	$43,900	$43,900
Accumulated Amortization	-38,816	-36,915
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	5,084	6,985
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	17 years 6 months
Gross Amount	36,900	36,900
Accumulated Amortization	-34,305	-32,871
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	2,595	4,029
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Estimated Useful Life	15 years
Gross Amount	7,000	7,000
Accumulated Amortization	-4,511	-4,044
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	$2,489	$2,956

Intangible_Assets_Schedule_Of_

Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Future Amortization Expense) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$791
2016	791
2017	791
2018	791
2019	791
Thereafter	1,129
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	5,084	6,985
Customer Relationships [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	324
2016	324
2017	324
2018	324
2019	324
Thereafter	975
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	2,595	4,029
Trademarks [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	467
2016	467
2017	467
2018	467
2019	467
Thereafter	154
Customer relationships and trademarks, net	$2,489	$2,956

Recovered_Sheet1

Intangible Assets Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$63,700	$63,700	$63,700
Radio spectrum licenses	44,933	131,834
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	-87,853	0	0
Radio Spectrum License [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Radio spectrum licenses	44,933	131,834	132,033
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of	-28,990	0
Assets Transferred to Assets Held for Sale	-57,911	0
Disposals	$0	($199)

LongTerm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2014	Nov. 09, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt			$528,345,000
Future payment	1,400,000
Revolving credit facility		35,000,000
Amended and Restated Credit incremental commitments maximal amount		125,000,000
Debt discount rate write off		1.00%
Base rate maximum	2.00%
Initial amount of restricted payment basket		50,000,000
Addition to restricted payment basket		6,500,000
Percentage of increase in restricted payment		50.00%
Leverage ratio threshold for triggering increase in restricted payment percent		2.75
Default increase in restricted payments contingent on leverage ratio, percent		75.00%
Cash flow floor over which excess cash flow adds to the basket		10,000,000
Balance of restricted payment basket			60,100,000
Leverage ratio		4.5	0.0431
Creditor and third-party fees	3,800,000
Deferred issuance and repricing costs	500,000
Deferred debt discounts	3,700,000
Accretion expense			700,000	900,000
Unamortized deferred fees			500,000
Unamortized discount			200,000
Blended average interest rate			6.30%	6.10%
Additional borrowings	40,000,000
Discount Rate On Additional Borrowings	0.25%
Debt Discount on Additional Borrowings	500,000
Future minimum lease payments			900,000
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years			1,000,000
Vehicles [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Carrying value of capital leases			2,600,000
Accumulated depreciation			1,400,000
Future minimum lease payments, 2014			400,000
Future minimum lease payments, 2015			300,000
Future minimum lease payments, 2016			100,000
Future minimum lease payments, 2017 (less than)			100,000
Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Term Loan Amount		150,000,000
Term Loan A Balance Outstanding Transferred to Term Loan B	148,100,000
Debt discount written off		1,500,000
Bear interest rate		3.50%
Base interest rate		2.50%
Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Term Loan Amount		350,000,000
Debt discount rate write off		1.00%
Debt discount written off		3,500,000
Bear interest rate	4.75%	4.75%
Base interest rate	3.75%	3.75%
Term Loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Term Loan Amount	$533,800,000
Stated percentage rate, minimum	1.00%
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage Ratio less than		3.75%
Percentage of mandatory debt prepayments		50.00%
Mandatory debt prepayments of cash flow be made to more than		90 days
Leverage Ratio above		4.50%
Percentage of excess cash flow		25.00%
Leverage Ratio		0.045
Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage ratio		0.0425

LongTerm_Debt_Schedule_Of_Long

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Senior secured term loans, net of unamortized debt discount	$524,504	$489,441
Capital lease obligations	904	925
Debt and capital lease obligations	525,408	490,366
Less: current portion of long-term debt	5,816	5,410
Long-term debt	$519,592	$484,956

LongTerm_Debt_Aggregate_Maturi

Long-Term Debt (Aggregate Maturities Of Long-Term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Nov. 09, 2012
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$5,405,000
2016	5,405,000
2017	5,405,000
2018	5,405,000
2019	506,725,000
Total	528,345,000
Term Loan A [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Term Loan Amount		150,000,000
Term Loan B [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
New Term Loan Amount		$350,000,000

Financial_Instruments_Narrativ

Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost method investments		$1,522,000	$1,499,000
Interest rate cap purchased, cost	900,000
Notional amount of interest rate cap	350,000,000
Interest rate cap rate	1.00%
Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments		229,000	656,000	0
CoBank [Member]
Summary of Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Cost method investments		$1,500,000	$1,500,000

Financial_Instruments_Schedule

Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Difference Between Face Amount, Carrying Amount And Fair Value Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Face Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash	$73,546	$88,441
Restricted cash		2,167
Financial liabilities:
Term Loans	528,345	493,750
Capital lease obligations	904	925
Derivative related to debt:
Interest rate cap asset	350,000	350,000
Carrying Amount [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash	73,546	88,441
Restricted cash		2,167
Long-term investments for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value	1,522	1,499
Financial liabilities:
Term Loans	525,504	489,441
Capital lease obligations	904	925
Derivative related to debt:
Interest rate cap asset	0	229
Fair Value [Member]
Financial assets:
Cash	73,546	88,441
Restricted cash		2,167
Financial liabilities:
Term Loans	459,660	495,848
Capital lease obligations	904	925
Derivative related to debt:
Interest rate cap asset	$0	$229

Equity_and_Earnings_Per_Share_1

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 24, 2009
Earnings Per Share, Basic, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Shares authorized to repurchase					$40
Repurchase of common stock, shares	523,233
Payments for repurchase of equity	16.9
Restricted common stock, repurchased		$0.10	$0.10
Excluded from computation of diluted earnings per common share		1,600,000	1,800,000	1,800,000

Equity_and_Earnings_Per_Share_2

Equity and Earnings Per Share (Schedule Of Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Numerator:
Net income (loss) applicable to common shares for earnings per share computation	($56,208)	[1]	$804	[1]	$484	[1]	$1,286	[1]	($784)	[2]	$10,583	[2]	$9,386	[2]	$5,493	[2]	($53,634)	$24,678	$18,387
Denominator:
Total shares outstanding	21,616								21,510								21,616	21,510	21,261
Less: unvested shares																	-463	-443	-332
Less: effect of calculating weighted average shares																	-42	-41	-40
Denominator for basic earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding																	21,111	21,026	20,889
Denominator for diluted earnings per common share – weighted average shares outstanding																	21,111	21,826	21,337
Restricted Stock [Member]
Denominator:
Plus: incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements																	0	422	322
Stock Options [Member]
Denominator:
Plus: incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements																	0	285	126
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Denominator:
Plus: incremental common shares attributable to share-based payment arrangements																	0	93	0
[1]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 include increased equipment revenue from EIP and the impairment and restructuring costs associated with the sale of the spectrum and the wind down of our operations in our Eastern Markets.
[2]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 included increased equipment cost of approximately $8.0 million for new sales activations and upgrades for existing customers due to seasonality and the launch of the new iPhones combined with the nControl rate plans during the fourth quarter.

Stock_Plans_Narrative_Details

Stock Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Beginning of vesting period after grant date for Employee Equity Incentive Plan, in years	1 year
Number of shares issued during the period	144,000
Stock options to be granted, minimum percentage	100.00%
Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2015	$1.30
Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2016	0.7
Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2017	0.1
Future charges for equity-based compensation, 2018	0.1
Weighted-average grant date fair value per share of stock options granted	$1.02	$0.71	$3.32
Total intrinsic value of options exercised		0.1	0.1
Total fair value of options vested	1.5	1.6	1.2
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	0.6
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted stock awards	1.4
Shares available for employee stock purchase plan	100,000
Shares price percentage	85.00%
Shares issued under the employee stock purchase plan	4,669	6,183	4,601
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost recognition period,	1 year 7 months 24 days
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost recognition period,	1 year 8 months 19 days
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	83,000
Unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options	$0.60
Unrecognized compensation cost recognition period,	1 year 6 months 18 days
Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards under the Equity Incentive Plan.	4,025,000
Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock options issued	347,023	751,089
Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	132,401	153,372
Employee Equity Incentive Plan [Member] | Performance Stock Units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	83,151	110,327
Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares of common stock available for awards under the Equity Incentive Plan.	200,000
Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock options issued	27,170	43,000
Options issued under Employee Equity Incentive Plan vest fractionally annually	25.00%
Non-Employee Director Equity Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued during the period	11,338	14,455

Stock_Plans_Stock_Option_Valua

Stock Plans (Stock Option Valuation Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate, minimum	2.40%	1.30%	1.00%
Risk-free interest rate, maximum	2.40%	1.50%	1.70%
Expected volatility, minimum	39.20%	39.30%	37.90%
Expected volatility, maximum	39.40%	39.60%	39.40%
Weighted-average expected volatility	39.40%	39.40%	38.50%
Expected dividend yield, Minimum	8.50%	12.90%	7.20%
Expected dividend yield, Maximum	12.90%	14.20%	11.60%
Weighted-average expected dividend yield	12.60%	13.50%	7.70%
Expected term	7 years	7 years	7 years
Future Charges For Equity-Based Compensation Year 4	$0.10

Stock_Plans_Stockbased_Compens

Stock Plans (Stock-based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$2,969	$5,553	$6,029
Cost of Sales and Services [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	593	634	1,199
Customer Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	918	1,067	1,072
Corporate Operations [Member]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
Equity-based compensation expense	$1,458	$3,852	$3,758

Stock_Plans_Summary_Of_Stock_O

Stock Plans (Summary Of Stock Options Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	2,603
Granted during the period (in shares)	374
Exercised during the period (in shares)	0
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	-1,394
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	1,583
Exercisable at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	576
Total expected to vest at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	1,394
Weighted Average Exercise Price per Share
Stock options outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$19.45
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$13.42
Exercised during the period (in dollars per share)	$0
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	$18.24
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$19.09
Exercisable at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$17.99
Total expected to vest at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$18.24
Additional Stock Options Disclosures [Abstract]
Outstanding at December 30, 2013, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 6 months 7 days
Exercisable at December 30, 2013, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	5 years 11 months 19 days
Outstanding at December 30, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$4
Exercisable at December 30, 2013, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$4

Stock_Plans_Summary_Of_Restric

Stock Plans (Summary Of Restricted Stock Awards Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	325
Granted during the period (in shares)	144
Vested during the period (in shares)	-89
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	-135
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	245
Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$17.41
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$13.35
Vested during the period (in dollars per share)	$19.93
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	$15.96
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$14.93

Stock_Plans_Summary_of_Perform

Stock Plans (Summary of Performance Stock Awards Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	325,000
Granted during the period (in shares)	144,000
Vested during the period (in shares)	-89,000
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	-135,000
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	245,000
Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$17.41
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$13.35
Vested during the period (in dollars per share)	$19.93
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	$15.96
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$14.93
Performance Stock Units [Member]
Shares
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in shares)	110,000
Granted during the period (in shares)	83,000
Vested during the period (in shares)	-8,000
Forfeited during the period (in shares)	-86,000
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in shares)	99,000
Weighted Average Grant Fair Value per Share
Shares outstanding at January 1, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$12.79
Granted during the period (in dollars per share)	$9.50
Vested during the period (in dollars per share)	$12.83
Forfeited during the period (in dollars per share)	$11.39
Shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 (in dollars per share)	$11.24

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net Operating Loss, Expected Current Year Amount	$9.20
Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Recognized tax benefit	1	0.7	-0.1
Unrecognized Excess Tax Benefit	0.4
Recognized tax cost included in other comprehensive income	5	3.5	2.1
Net operating loss carryforwards adjusted annual maximum limit	8.9
Expected prior NOLs available	24.3
2013 [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	15.4
2015 Through 2024 [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	8.9
2025 [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	4.9
2026 [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforward	0.4
Irc382Limit [Member]
Income Tax [Line Items]
Expected prior NOLs available	$109.70

Income_Taxes_Components_Of_Inc

Income Taxes (Components Of Income Tax Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current tax expense (benefit):
Federal	$0	$589	($3,390)
State	465	987	-81
Current tax expense (benefit)	465	1,576	-3,471
Deferred tax expense:
Federal	-28,445	13,437	14,271
State	-4,914	3,531	1,876
Deferred income taxes	-33,359	16,968	16,147
Income tax expense	($32,894)	$18,544	$12,676

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Effective Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed tax expense at statutory federal rate of 35%	($29,771)	$15,849	$11,551
Nondeductible compensation	87	273	206
Noncontrolling interests	-514	-721	-679
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	-2,892	2,937	1,167
Other	196	206	431
Income tax expense	($32,894)	$18,544	$12,676

Income_Taxes_Net_Deferred_Tax_

Income Taxes (Net Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred income tax assets
Retirement benefits other than pension	$1,232	$778
Pension and related plans	7,158	3,685
Net operating loss	46,264	43,347
Accrued expenses	3,554	3,644
Other	5,163	4,002
Deferred tax assets	63,371	55,456
Deferred income tax liabilities
Property and equipment	45,096	69,897
Intangible assets	1,009	1,567
Licenses	32,116	36,235
Deferred tax liabilities	78,221	107,699
Deferred tax assets (liabilities), net	($14,850)	($52,243)

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre2

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					24 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Adopting Updated Mortality Tables	$2,400,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of Discount Rate Changes	7,100,000
Reduction of accrual of projected benefit obligation	-7,500,000
Percentage of gains and losses in excess of benefit obligation and market-Related value of assets amortized.	10.00%
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss)	1,200,000	-600,000
Deferred tax assets	-24,770,000	-10,650,000				-10,650,000
Rate of increase(decrease)	1.00%
Maximum percentage of asset within bond holdings.	4.50%
Maximum percentage of bond holding to total portfolio	1.00%
Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Ultimate health care cost trend rate			5.00%	6.00%
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	100,000	300,000			500,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Unrealized loss of benefit obligation transferred						200,000
Accumulated benefit obligation	38,300,000	27,800,000				27,800,000
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss)	10,900,000
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income	6,000,000
Deferred tax assets	-3,800,000
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	100,000
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	100,000
Net periodic benefit cost (gain)	-511,000	-139,000			2,768,000
Benefit obligation	38,282,000	27,774,000			32,176,000	27,774,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2014	608,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2015	655,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2016	707,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2017	768,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2018	819,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, years 2019-2013	5,892,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Lumos Networks [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Transfer of plan assets due to business separation						500,000
Transfer of benefit obligation to business separation						1,000,000
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit cost (gain)				300,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss)	-800,000
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income	-300,000
Deferred tax assets	-200,000
Effect of one percentage point increase on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	700,000
Effect of one percentage point decrease on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	500,000
Net periodic benefit cost (gain)	264,000	148,000			157,000
Benefit obligation	3,111,000	1,980,000			2,045,000	1,980,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2014	74,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2015	74,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2016	85,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2017	76,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2018	80,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, years 2019-2013	619,000
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit cost (gain)				300,000
Nonqualified Pension Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Unrecognized actuarial gain (loss) recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income	2,300,000	1,700,000
Deferred tax assets	-1,500,000	-1,000,000				-1,000,000
Benefit obligation	8,300,000	7,300,000				7,300,000
Expense recognized related to other benefit plans	400,000	400,000
Previously unrecognized loss related to supplemental executive retirement plan	100,000	100,000			100,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2014	500,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2015	500,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2016	500,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2017	500,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, year 2018	500,000
Define benefit plan, estimated future benefit payments, years 2019-2013	2,500,000
Nonqualified Pension Plans [Member] | Forecast [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Expense recognized related to other benefit plans				400,000
Expected other benefit plans payments				500,000
Defined Contribution 401(K) Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Company's 401K Matching Contributions	$1,200,000	$1,100,000			$1,100,000

Recovered_Sheet2

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Reconciliation Of The Changes In The Qualified Plans' Benefit Obligations And Fair Value Of Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	$24,719	$24,610
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligations, beginning of period	27,774	32,176
Service cost	0	0	1,838
Interest cost	1,375	1,325
Actuarial (gain) loss	10,135	-5,116
Benefits paid, net	-1,002	-389
Benefit obligations transferred	0	-222
Benefit obligations, end of period	38,282	27,774	32,176
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	24,610	20,837
Actual return on plan assets	1,148	4,255
Employer contributions	0	32
Benefits paid	-1,040	-425
Plan assets transferred	0	-89
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	24,718	24,610	20,837
Funded status:
Total liability at December 31,	-13,564	-3,164
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligations, beginning of period	1,980	2,045
Service cost	40	54	41
Interest cost	98	84
Actuarial (gain) loss	805	-187
Benefits paid, net	-26	-16
Benefit obligations transferred	214	0
Benefit obligations, end of period	3,111	1,980	2,045
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period	0	0
Actual return on plan assets	0	0
Employer contributions	102	16
Benefits paid	-102	-16
Plan assets transferred	0	0
Fair value of plan assets, end of period	0	0	0
Funded status:
Total liability at December 31,	($3,111)	($1,980)

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre3

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	$0	$0	$1,838
Interest cost	1,375	1,325	1,489
Recognized net actuarial loss	0	131	734
Expected return on plan assets	-1,886	-1,595	-1,293
Net periodic benefit cost	-511	-139	2,768
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost	40	54	41
Interest cost	122	78	88
Recognized net actuarial loss	102	16	28
Net periodic benefit cost	$264	$148	$157

Recovered_Sheet3

Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits (Assumptions Used In Measurements Of Net Cost For The Consolidated Statement Of Operations) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.00%	5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	5.00%	4.15%	4.45%
Expected return on plan assets	7.25%	7.75%	7.75%
Rate of compensation increase		0.00%	3.00%
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.10%	5.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate	5.00%	4.15%	4.45%

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre4

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Weighted Average Actual Assets Allocations) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	100.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$24,719	$24,610
Large Cap Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	17.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,082	8,097
Large Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	10.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,347	4,022
Large Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	16.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,061	0
Mid Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	9.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	2,246	1,500
Small Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	5.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,348	1,005
Foreign Stock - Large Cap [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	19.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,778	1,706
Bond [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	20.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	4,849	7,548
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	4.00%
Fair Value of Plan Assets	$1,008	$732

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre5

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Actual And Target Allocations for Plan Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	100.00%
Target Allocation	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	76.00%
Target Allocation	66.00%
Bond Securities and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Actual Allocation	24.00%
Target Allocation	34.00%

Pension_Plans_and_Other_Postre6

Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits (Estimated Future Pension Benefit And Other Postretirement Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2014	$608
2015	655
2016	707
2017	768
2018	819
Aggregate of next five years	5,892
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2014	74
2015	74
2016	85
2017	76
2018	80
Aggregate of next five years	$619

Strategic_Network_Alliance_Det

Strategic Network Alliance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Attributable Annual Non Cash Spectrum Lease Cost	$4.90
Percentage of revenue		30.50%	34.10%	35.80%
Revenue minimum per agreement		9.3
SNA [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement, effect on operating income (loss), increase		9.6
Litigation settlement, effect on revenue, increase		9
Litigation settlement, effect on cost of sales, decrease		$0.60

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Renewal options of years	5 years
Rental expense for all operating leases	$37	$35.80	$33.20
Maximum [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase commitments expensed over period	7 years
Minimum [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Purchase commitments expensed over period	5 years

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Operating Leases
2015	$37,941
2016	37,379
2017	36,385
2018	35,387
2019	33,972
Thereafter	121,754
Total	302,818
Other Commitments
2015	127,132
2016	960
2017	0
2018	0
2019	0
Thereafter	0
Total	128,092
Total
2015	165,073
2016	38,339
2017	36,385
2018	35,387
2019	33,972
Thereafter	121,754
Total	$430,910

Commitments_And_Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies Other Commitments (Details) (Tower Leases [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Tower Leases [Member]
Other Commitments [Line Items]
Future Rental Payments, Potential Liability	$1.70

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Tower Sale [Member], USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 17, 2015	Feb. 20, 2015	Jan. 20, 2015
Tower Sale [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent Event, Date		20-Jan-15
Subsequent Event, Description		sell up to 103 towers
Subsequent Event, Sale Amount			$41
Subsequent Event, Installment Date	17-Feb-15
Subsequent Event, First Installment, Towers Sold	85
Subsequent Event, First Installment Amount	$35

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_Na

Quarterly Financial Summary (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Increased equipment cost	$8

Quarterly_Financial_Summary_De

Quarterly Financial Summary (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Operating Revenues	$128,319		$119,638		$117,795		$122,082		$121,766		$130,912		$119,859		$119,345		$487,834	$491,882	$453,989
Operating Income (Loss)	-83,340		10,323		9,904		11,863		7,364		27,422		23,554		17,496		-51,250	75,836	63,142
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations	-55,901	[1]	1,156	[1]	857	[1]	1,722	[1]	-381	[2]	11,171	[2]	9,927	[2]	6,022	[2]
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.	($56,208)	[1]	$804	[1]	$484	[1]	$1,286	[1]	($784)	[2]	$10,583	[2]	$9,386	[2]	$5,493	[2]	($53,634)	$24,678	$18,387
Earnings (Loss) per Share Attributable to NTELOS Holdings Corp.
Basic (in dollars per share)	($2.66)		$0.04		$0.02		$0.06		($0.04)		$0.50		$0.45		$0.26
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($2.66)		$0.04		$0.02		$0.06		($0.04)		$0.48		$0.43		$0.25
[1]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2014 include increased equipment revenue from EIP and the impairment and restructuring costs associated with the sale of the spectrum and the wind down of our operations in our Eastern Markets.
[2]	Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2013 included increased equipment cost of approximately $8.0 million for new sales activations and upgrades for existing customers due to seasonality and the launch of the new iPhones combined with the nControl rate plans during the fourth quarter.

Equipment_Installment_Plan_Rec2

Equipment Installment Plan Receivable Equipment Plan Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	$43,668	$37,741
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	18,474	9,089
Advance billings and customer deposits	-14,553	-14,055
Equipment Installment Plan Receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	5,551
Financing Receivable, Gross	16,109
Financing Receivable, Deferred Interest	-807
Financing Receivable, net of deferred interest	15,302
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses	-2,450
Financing Receivable, Net	12,852
Deferred Charges and Other Assets	8,108
Advance billings and customer deposits	($807)

Restructuring_Charges_Restruct1

Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Severance Costs	$1,580
Business Exit Costs	990
Other Restructuring Costs	1,093
Restructuring Charges	3,663	0	0
Payments for Restructuring	-263
Restructuring Reserve	3,400	0
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments for Restructuring	-84
Restructuring Reserve	1,496	0
Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments for Restructuring	-111
Restructuring Reserve	879	0
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Payments for Restructuring	-68
Restructuring Reserve	1,025	0
Minimum [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	2,000
Minimum [Member] | Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	40,000
Minimum [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	8,000
Maximum [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	4,000
Maximum [Member] | Contract Termination [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	45,000
Maximum [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	$11,000